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…
Author: Community Contributor
Santa Paula Art Museum to Launch Creative Classes in Summer 2018
SANTA PAULA — Explore your creative side! In summer 2018, the Santa Paula Art Museum will launch an innovative studio art program in its newly renovated Cole Creativity Center for children, teens and adults. Professional teaching artists will lead students…
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”…
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…
Local Jeweler Raises Almost $60,000 for United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund
VENTURA — Fox Fine Jewelry will donate more than $56,000 to the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund the jeweler raised through the sale of four limited edition necklaces, including the “Montecito Islands.” Fox Fine Jewelry will present the…
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara update of May 1
Click here for the entire e-newsletter UPCOMING EVENTS The Bevy Friday, May 18, 7 – 10 pm MCASB Main Space For one night only, experience Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara transformed into a 1960s London club. Enjoy scrumptious…
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 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…
Marjorie Luke Theatre update for April 29
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Upcoming Events La Bayadere Saturday & Sunday, May 5th & 6th 3:00PM The Goleta School of Ballet and Goleta Ballet Theatre present this ballet classic, which is full of love and intrigue with beautiful costumes,…
Jackson, Limón to Honor Ventura First Responders as Women of the Year
Honorees include Genevieve Flores-Haro, Associate Director for the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project VENTURA — In recognition of their bravery during the devastating Thomas fire, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) and Assemblymember Monique Limón (D–Santa Barbara) will honor women first responders from Ventura County as 2018…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Cultural Arts Commission Accepting Grant Applications from Artists, Nonprofit Arts Organizations. Deadline is May 3
OXNARD — The city’s Cultural Arts Commission is accepting grant applications from Oxnard-based artists and nonprofit arts organizations through Thursday, May 3. Up to $170,000 in grant funding is available. Please see the attached application and additional information. Completed applications must…
Ventura County Fire issues annual notices 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 properties near open land where wildfires may occur. More than 16,660 parcels will receive Fire Hazard Reduction Program…
Last Call to Submit Proposals for Development of Properties in Historic Downtown Oxnard. Deadline is May 11
OXNARD – Attention all developers! This is the last call to submit proposals to develop a mix of retail and residential properties in historic downtown Oxnard. The Oxnard Community Development Commission Successor Agency and the City of Oxnard are inviting developers…
Jackson Applauds Funding for Train Upgrades
Funding will improve timeliness, efficiency and reliability of commuter and intercity rail SACRAMENTO — State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) issued the following statement today commending the California State Transportation Agency for awarding significant funding for critical rail improvements, including $148 million to the Pacific…
10th Annual Mariachi Encuentro Fundraiser on Cinco de Mayo to Benefit Girls Inc. of Carpinteria
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with its 10th annual Mariachi Encuentro event, an evening filled with authentic Mexican food, music, and culture on Saturday, May 5h at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus, 5315…
Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. Recognized as HRSA National Quality Leader
VENTURA — For the second year in a row, Clinicas Del Camino Real, Inc. has been recognized as a National Quality Leader by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Quality Leader recognition is based on performance information submitted annually through…
Bilingual commentary: The Last of the Truck Drivers
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 •…
Jackson Bill to Create Opt-Out Emergency Alert System Passes Senate Floor
SB 821 allows counties to automatically enroll residents in emergency alerts SACRAMENTO—Following the devastating fires last year, in which many residents were not signed up for their county alerts, a bill by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to create an opt-out emergency…
Museum of Ventura County update for April 26
Click here for more information Major funding for these programs is made possible by the City of San Buenaventura and the County of Ventura. Figure Drawing with artist Ryan Carr Join artist Ryan Carr from 6 to 8 p.m., May 1, for…
Judges Announced for April 27th Scheinfeld Center New Venture Challenge
NVC pitch competition will take place on Friday, April 27th SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County student entrepreneurs have spent months, if not longer, preparing for the 8th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge. Now, it is time to meet the…
Bilingual commentary: Passage of SB 295 ensures safety of women working in California’s agriculture fields
To whom it may concern, My name is Gabriela Valencia and my partner Brandi Segovia and I are currently working on raising awareness surrounding policies that directly impact women working in the fields of Oxnard, California. As we are graduate students who…
Workshop Demonstrates How Aquatic Insects Provide Clues About Health of Local Watersheds
VENTURA — Local biodiversity conservation group Paso Pacifico hosted a unique workshop on April 14, giving science and nature lovers an up-close look at how to monitor water quality using aquatic insects, which serve as a simple yet effective indicator…
Ventura County Human Services Agency Partners with Blanchard Community Library to Provide After Hours Service
SANTA PAULA — The Ventura County Human Services Agency and Santa Paula’s Blanchard Community Library have launched a pilot program that brings County staff to the library facility during designated evening and weekend hours to provide public assistance services to…
10th Annual Conference for Social Justice in Education on April 21 will tackle juvenile offenders, schools as sanctuaries and yoga for traumatized youth
CAMARILLO — How do educators work with students worried about themselves or their parents being deported? Should schools serve as sanctuaries? What role can schools play in preventing juvenile delinquency? Can classroom yoga help traumatized youth? These are just a few…
Paso Pacifico Launches Million Tree Campaign to Combat Climate Change
VENTURA — Climate change is something that impacts people across the globe, and while the causes often grab the headlines, the solutions deserve attention as well. Ventura-based Paso Pacifico is launching an ambitious campaign to combat climate change this Earth…
Jackson to Honor Women First Responders as Women of the Year
SANTA BARBARA – In recognition of their bravery during the Thomas Fire, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) will honor women first responders from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as the 19th Senate District’s 2018 Women of the Year in separate ceremonies on April…
The Collection at RiverPark Welcomes Local Surf Boutique, Ahoy Surf
OXNARD — Locally owned and operated Ahoy Surf is pleased to announce the grand opening of their new location at The Collection at RiverPark. On Saturday May 12, customers are invited to stop by Ahoy Surf and enjoy various activities…
Bilingual commentary: Chaos: Strategy or Ineptitude?
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 •…
Bilingual report: Camarillo Hospice announces General Bereavement Spanish Speaking Support Group
CAMARILLO — Camarillo Hospice, a program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, is presenting a General Bereavement Spanish Speaking Support Group Healing After the Loss of a Loved One. Our Spanish Speaking Bereavement Support Group is open to anyone who has experienced a loss…
Dr. Roger Rice Named Educational Leader of the Year
VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. Roger Rice, Deputy Superintendent for Student Services at the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), was honored today by the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) as its Educational Leader of the Year. Dr. Rice received his…
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson: Earth Day Endures
Click here for the entire e-newsletter A devastating oil spill off of our coast in 1969 gave birth to the first Earth Day. Nearly half a century later, Californians remain committed to protecting our environment. As we begin our Earth…
Sun, Fun… Career Advancement? SBCC Career Skills Institute Offers Accelerated Summer Options
Registration opens April 20 SANTA BARBARA — This summer, professionals and job seekers alike can make quick work of positioning themselves for career success, even while juggling work, life, and vacation. SBCC Career Skills Institute is tuition-free and will deliver…
Bilingual report: Downtown Oxnard to Become an Arts Hub
OXNARD — Downtown Oxnard is on its way to becoming an arts hub. The Oxnard City Council on Tuesday approved a five-year plan for a Downtown Oxnard Arts Hub, and agreed to appropriate $90,000 toward the installation of three iconic anchor…
Jackson and Atkins Bill Would Make California the First State to Require Women on Corporate Boards
Senate Bill 826 would require publicly held corporations to have one woman by 2019 and two or more after that SACRAMENTO — Legislation authored by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) and Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) to require gender diversity on corporate…
Ventura County Supervisors honor five environmental champions with Earth Day Awards
VENTURA — The Board of Supervisors honored five 2018 Ventura County Earth Day Awards recipients at their Tuesday, April 17, 2018 Board meeting. The awards honor individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to support sustainable living and environmentally…
United Way of Ventura County update for April 19
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, I wanted to share with you a story of one of the many people who have received hardship assistance from the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund. Erik’s story…
Carnegie Art Museum update for April 19
Click here for the entire e-newsletter April is National Poetry Month and last weekend’s Poetry at the Carnegie – The Jackson Wheeler Series was a celebration of the spoken word, a spectacular evening of talent featuring Patty Seyburn and Dian Sousa as well as…
Ventura County Office of Education ‘Focus on Education’ update for April 18
Spring 2018 Stanley C. Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools The Big Ways that Big Data is Reshaping Education In the business world, it’s often said that measuring something is the first step to improving it, and the same holds…
Jackson Bill to Halt Trump’s Offshore Drilling Expansion Advances
SACRAMENTO – State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s legislation to block the Trump Administration from expanding federal oil drilling off the California coast passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee last night on a 6 to 2 vote. Senate Bill 834 will ensure that pipelines…
The Collection celebrates awaited opening of modern Chinese restaurant, General Chow
OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark is proud to announce that General Chow is now open. The highly anticipated grand opening of the modern Chinese restaurant will feature classic Chinese dishes like Honey Walnut Shrimp, Black Pepper Beef Mignon, Chow…
Oxnard College to celebrate 37th anniversary of Ballet Folklórico Mestizo — 2018 Spring Concert April 20 through 22
OXNARD — Please join us for the 37th Anniversary of an OC tradition ––Ballet Folklórico Mestizo. Directed by Matilde Sánchez, Professor, English, ESL, Dance, the Ballet Mestizo brings the sights and sounds of Mexico’s traditional dances and songs to Oxnard College…
Ventura County Judge Michele Castillo, former U.S. Second Lady Tipper Gore to receive honorary doctorates from CSUCI
CAMARILLO — The first Latina ever to serve on the Superior Court of Ventura County and the former Second Lady of the United States will receive honorary doctorates at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Commencement on May 19, 2018. Ventura County Superior…
Ventura College Phoenix Scholarship Program Enters its 19th Year. Scholarship ceremony to be held April 19
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is helping 28 mature adults attain their dreams of higher education by providing the financial assistance needed to return to college. This month, the Foundation will award a total of $48,400 in Phoenix Scholarships…
UCSB’s El Centro Arnulfo Casillas set to mark 40 years as the heart of the Chicano/Chicana experience on campus
By Jim Logan • UCSB Few buildings at UC Santa Barbara are as deeply enmeshed in the fabric of student life as El Centro Arnulfo Casillas. The center of the Chicana and Chicano experience on the campus for 40 years,…
Rick Najera Launches Podcast to Highlight Inspirational Latinos, Diverse Voices
Latino Thought Makers Now Available on SoundCloud, the world’s leading social sound platform LOS ANGELES — Rick Najera’s inspirational talk show, Latino Thought Makers,highlighting Latino achievement and diverse voices, is now available on SoundCloud, the world’s leading social sound platform at www.soundcloud.com/latinothoughtmakers. Latino Thought…