SANTA BARBARA — Local aviation nonprofit A Different Point of View (ADPOV) will give youth hands-on training in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) during its Aviation Career Program, June 24-26. This uniquely focused program, held at the Santa Barbara…
Author: Community Contributor
Writer, biologist Rene Corado to be keynote speaker at VCCDC 4th annual Homeownership Fair on June 25
OXNARD — Writer, biologist Rene Corado will be the keynote speaker at VCCDC 4th annual Homeownership Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at the VCCDC Homeownership Center, 2231 Sturgis Road, Oxnard. Rene is the author of…
Carnegie Art Museum’S ‘Arcade Poetry Series’ to feature Ángel García and Teddy Macker on June 25
OXNARD — The Carnegie Art Museum “Arcade Poetry Series” will feature Ángel García and Teddy Macker at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at 424 S. C St., Oxnard. Ángel García has lived in several cities throughout Southern California. He has worked in…
Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Words From A Cuban Father’ and ‘Circo de tu corazón’ June 25, 26
WHAT Words From A Cuban Father and Circo de tu corazón WHO Teatro de las Americas and Oxnard College present a double header of theatrical fun with playwright and performer Alina Ceñal and director and performer James Donlon WHEN Saturday,…
CAUSE Action Fund to present ‘Quinceañera AT The Ranch’ at Rancho Las Posas, Somis on June 26
SOMIS — The CAUSE Action Fund will present “Quinceañera AT The Ranch” from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 26 at Rancho Las Posas, 4192 Bradley Road, Somis. The event celebrates the CAUSE Action Fund’s 15th anniversary. RSVP by June 10. Click…
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Honors 78 Business Training Graduates
CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) celebrated the accomplishments of 78 women and men who have successfully completed WEV’s Self-Employment Training program during a ceremony held at the New Vic Theater in Santa Barbara the evening of May 17th.…
Beat the Summer Heat Without Hurting your Wallet
CENTRAL COAST — Temperatures are on the rise and summer is just around the corner. But you won’t have to keep your home’s air conditioning unit cranked up throughout the coming months just to stay cool. In fact, with a…
VCCDC Celebrates 15 Years of Changing Lives Through Homeownership
An accomplished local activist, Rodney Fernandez made it his life’s work to achieve the impossible. The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) was founded by Rodney as a way to bring together private financing and public funding to bring homeownership…
LinkedIn Volunteers Lend a Helping Hand at Santa Barbara Humane Society
SANTA BARBARA — A group of LinkedIn employees joined the Santa Barbara Humane Society for an afternoon of volunteering. The group was hard at work repainting worn benches and later spent time with the adoptable dogs. “We’re thrilled to have…
Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Welcomes Michelle Dahlkemper and Lailain McGrath
SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) is pleased to announce the addition of Michelle Dahlkemper as Chief Operating Officer. Dahlkemper brings sixteen years of experience as a registered nurse with extensive experience in post-acute healthcare including palliative…
Nonprofit Grace Housing Begins to Fulfill Legacy of Grace Lutheran Church with First Community Contributions; Disbursements Top $60K
SANTA BARBARA — Continuing the legacy of the former Grace Lutheran Church, Santa Barbara, a 113-year ministry that held its final service in 2015, nonprofit Grace Housing, Inc. awarded its first funding allocations — totaling more than $60,000 — to…
Gold Coast Health Plan Awards Nearly $60,000 to Support Community Health Care Programs in Ventura County
Medi-Cal Plan Issues Funds Under New Community Investment Initiative CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) is sponsoring two programs under its newly created Alternative Resources for Community Health (ARCH) initiative. The goal of ARCH is to invest in the health and…
Bilingual commentary: Cognitive Testing…What’s My Name?
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…
Santa Barbara County launches first-ever Food Action Plan
Major community-led effort aims to make our food system more resilient for future generations SANTA BARBARA — Supervisors Salud Carbajal and Steve Lavagnino will join community leaders throughout the county on May 24 for the unveiling of the Santa Barbara County…
33rd annual California Strawberry Festival (May 21-22) benefits local charities, students
OXNARD — The 2016 California Strawberry Festival gets underway with its 33rd seasonal celebration May 21 and 22 on 15 picturesque acres at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard. Ranked nationwide among the top outdoor Festivals, the event boasts strawberries…
CenCal Health Presents Dignity Health with Healthcare Innovation Award for Outstanding Care and Service
SANTA BARBARA / SAN LUIS OBISPO — CenCal Health, the health care program serving low-income residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, presented a Healthcare Innovation Award to Dignity Health at their board meeting on May 18. The…
A passion to help incarcerated youth helps CI senior Ashley Medina win a Newman Civic Fellows Award
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) English major and fall 2016 graduate Ashley Medina, 23, has been named a Newman Civic Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors college student leaders who represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic…
Women’s Economic Ventures Presents Trailblazer and Business of the Year Awards at “Empowerment is Priceless” Event
VENTURA — Nearly 300 women and men attended non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) annual Empowerment is Priceless event held on May 12th at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel in Ventura. The breakfast fundraiser recognized WEV’s 2016 Trailblazer, Business of…
Work begins on Carpinteria’s first senior assisted living and memory care community
CARPINTERIA — Steadfast Carpinteria Senior, LLC, announced that it has begun conversion of an office building at 5464 Carpinteria Ave. to create GranVida, Carpinteria’s first and only large-scale community for seniors needing assisted living or memory care. Working with Steadfast…
Five Local Korean War Veterans Honored at “The Forgotten War” Symposium
SANTA BARBARA — Five local veterans of the Korean War were honored on May 9 at a luncheon and symposium, The Forgotten War: Korea 66 Years On, co-hosted by Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) and the Channel City Club at…
Bilingual commentary: Paradise Lost…Or Was It?
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…
UCSB history professor Sarah Cline’s LASA-award-winning essay deconstructs an iconic colonial Mexican casta painting of racial hierarchy
By Sonia Fernandez / UCSB In 18th-century Mexico, casta paintings were all the rage, as the bloodlines of Spanish colonizers and of the colonized indigenous, black and mixed-race populations mingled and American-born Spaniards sought to define themselves apart amid increasingly blurry racial…
Dr. Rodolfo F. Acuña Art Gallery & Cultural Center with Lead Artist, Ana M. Carrillo, Receive California Arts Council “Artists Activating Communities” Grant Award
State funds will support sustained artistic residency for Ana M. Carrillo at Dr. Rodolfo F. Acuña Art Gallery & Cultural Center at Cafe on A. OXNARD – The California Arts Council, a state agency, announced it plans to award $12,000…
Santa Barbara Conscious Networking Event and Celebratory Party to be held June 3
SANTA BARBARA — The much-anticipated Santa Barbara Conscious Networking Event will open its doors to the public for the first time in an extraordinary evening of entertainment, networking, healthful food and important information. Many of the area’s conscious professionals and…
Gold Coast Health Plan Teams Up with Health Partners to Host Diabetes Awareness Event on June 11
Public is Invited to Day of Free Health Screenings, Cooking Demonstrations, Entertainment and Raffles CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has partnered with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the Ventura County Department of Public Health and Dignity Health’s St.…
Bilingual report: Auditions for ‘Esperanza Rising’ to be held June 3, 4
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas to present Auditions for ‘Esperanza Rising’ to be held June 3, 4.
El Lustrador Rumbo a Hollywood el 11 de junio
UFW’s Roman Pinal, actor Daniel Stern to speak at Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s Currents of Change fundraiser on June 12
THOUSAND OAKS — Roman Pinal, an activist with the United Farm Workers of America, and actor, director and activist Daniel Stern will speak at the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s Currents of Change fundraiser from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday,…
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County to present ‘Currents of Change’ fundraiser on June 12
THOUSAND OAKS — The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County to will present its 8th annual “Currents of Change — On the Wing for Justice” fundraiser from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 12 at Los Robles Greens Golf Course, 299…
UCSB to present ‘READINGS: Tides by Pedro Xavier Solís’ on May 31
SANTA BARBARA — Professors Suzanne Jill Levine and Jorge Luis Castillo will present a bilingual reading of Tides, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 at the McCune Conference Room. The reading is a translation of a chapbook of poetry by Pedro…
Central City Swing Band to perform annual ‘Summer Concert’ on June 14
ORCUTT — The Central City Swing Band will perform their annual Summer Concert on Tuesday evening, June 14th, 2016 at 7:30PM. The concert will feature music arranged in a traditional or vintage swing style as well as arrangements in a…
Sesion Informativa Sobre DAPA y DACA el 16 de Junio en Oxnard
OXNARD — Sesion Informativa Sobre DAPA y DACA, 6 pm el 16 de Junio en el Center for Employment Training (CET), 761 S. C St., Oxnard. Para reservar su lugar llame a CLUE-VC 805.607.2114, www.cluevc.org o facebook.com/Clue-Vc
Jess Ramirez Birthday Fiesta and Fundraiser for the Café on A on June 16
OXNARD — Join us in celebration of TATA LOUIE’S (AKA Jess Ramirez’s Birthday on June 16 at the beautiful Downtown La Fonda del Rey. Please join us in this great night of fun, entertainment, community support. It promises to be…
UCSB’s Miroslava Chávez-García receives summer residency at University of Tübingen in Germany
By Jim Logan / UCSB Miroslava Chávez-García, who has done groundbreaking studies on race, gender and power in California, is taking her scholarship in a new direction: Germany. A professor in the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at UC Santa Barbara,…
Bilingual commentary — Fair Wage: Let’s Be Cautious
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…
May is Mental Health Month: Mental Wellness Center Offers Tips to Improve Your Mental Wellness
SANTA BARBARA — In honor of Mental Health Month in May, the Mental Wellness Center is spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about. The nonprofit organization is offering the community a few easy tips to…
Guest commentary: Institutions of higher learning in need of more H.U.G.s
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. Frank P. Barajas. Courtesy photo.…
New Traffic Signal at Wendy and Gerald Drive Enhances Pedestrian Safety
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Transportation Department and Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks commemorated the completion of the long-awaited new traffic signal at the intersection of Wendy and Gerald Drives. The new signal provides a safer…
Ventura County Public Works Agency highlights careers, hands-on demonstrations for over 500 students
VENTURA COUNTY — In what’s becoming a favorite educational experience among local students, Ventura County Public Works Agency’s National Public Works Day public event on Tuesday, May 17, aims to pique students’ interests in the Public Works sector. With over…
Moms To Be Spoiled With Jewelry, Electronics and Special Outings; All To Be Found At Centerpoint Mall For Mother’s Day
OXNARD — Shoppers can spoil mom at Centerpoint Mall for Mother’s Day with the more than 49 retail, specialty, entertainment and dining options. Centerpoint Mall is the ideal shopping destination to get the right gift for Mom by Mother’s Day…
Bilingual commentary: The Political Flames Ignite
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) Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Santa Barbara Client Business Expo
SANTA BARBARA — In honor of Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) 25th anniversary, the Santa Barbara community gathered to support local small businesses and network at a celebratory WEV Client Business Expo. Thirty vendors—past and present WEV Loan recipients, Thrive in…
Letter Carriers prepare to collect and carry more than 100,000 pounds of food in one day for Ventura County’s hungry
VENTURA COUNTY — On Saturday, May 14, Ventura County letter carriers will be caravanning more than just incoming and outgoing mail; and community members won’t have to venture far from their doorsteps to give back to the local hungry in…
El Centrito Family Learning Centers announces ‘Pathways Community Luncheon 2016’ on May 20
OXNARD — El Centrito Family Learning Center has announced its “Pathways Community Luncheon 2016″will be held from noon to1:30 p.m. Friday, May 20. The third annual event brings together more than 150 community leaders, parents, speakers and businesses to raise funds…
Ventura County Public Works Agency to demonstrate state’s first application of precast pervious concrete panels on May 20
New low maintenance technology conserves water, recharges aquifers, reduces polluted runoff VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura Public Works Agency will demonstrate California’s first installation of precast pervious concrete slabs, a type of pavement that is porous enough to filter storm…
33rd Annual California Strawberry Festival set for May 21-22
OXNARD — It’s a berry bash of iconic portions, the 33rd Annual California Strawberry Festival May 21 & 22 featuring berrilicious fun with outlandish eats, entertainment, fine arts & crafts, and more. Ever had strawberry pizza with a strawberry beer?…
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center Invites Community to 26th Annual Horse Show & Tack Sale on May 21
SANTA BARBARA — Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center invites the community to its 26th Annual Student Horse Show & Tack Sale on Saturday, May 21 from 9:00am to 4:30pm at their riding facilities, located at 4420 Calle Real in Santa Barbara.…
May 25: “Reaching for Stars” Evening of Fine Dining and Wines to Benefit Youth and Family Services YMCA
SANTA BARBARA — Join the Youth and Family Services YMCA for an unforgettable evening of extraordinary cuisine in a lovely setting, benefiting vital programs for local youth. Enjoy tantalizing dishes prepared by Santa Barbara’s top chefs, paired with fine wines…
Life and Work of the artist Ed Cristál explored in new exhibit now open at Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Opening reception on May 28
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is pleased to announce a new exhibit open to the public on May 9, 2016. The exhibition features painting and ceramics by artist Ed Cristál, the artist who created the whale sculptures that flank…
Del Pueblo Cafe presents Los Very Be Careful on May 29
SANTA BARBARA — Very Be Careful, back to Santa Barbara after 4 very long years! A Caribbean soul and a California heart have sustained two decades of ceaseless romp-downs and raucous times for L.A.’s vallenato veteranos, inciting 10s of 1000s of…
Community Invited to Memorial Day Ceremony Hosted by Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation on May 30
SANTA BARBARA — Veterans, their families, and the community are invited to join the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation from 10-11 a.m. on Memorial Day (May 30) at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive, for a free ceremony honoring all…
¡Presentación sobre derechos laborales! el 25 de mayo
OXNARD — ¡Presentación sobre derechos laborales! a las 6 pm el 25 de mayo en el California Rural Legal Assistance Inc., 338 S. A St., Oxnard. ¡La información y servicios son gratuitos! En Esta Presentación se incluirá información sobre: ? ¿Ha…
Celebrate World Trade Week on May 18
PORT HUENEME — A celebration of “World Trade Week” will be held from 11:30 a.m.to1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 at the Port of Hueneme, 333 Ponoma Road, Port Hueneme. Hear from the business community at this special program and luncheon.…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates 2016 National Women’s Health Week throughout Ventura County through May 14
VENTURA COUNTY — May 8-14th, Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will host events in honor of National Women’s Health Week! Women throughout Ventura County can visit any of the 13 Clinicas Health Centers and participate in the FREE activities being…
SCAPE ~ Presents ‘Visions of the Gaviota Coast’ on May 13, 14
GOLETA — On Friday and Saturday, May 13 &14, 2016, SCAPE, Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment, will host the fourth annual “Visions of the Gaviota Coast,” an art exhibition of photography and fine art that showcases the beautiful…
Letter Carriers prepare to collect and carry more than 100,000 pounds of food in one day for Ventura County’s hungry on May 14
VENTURA COUNTY — On Saturday, May 14, Ventura County letter carriers will be caravanning more than just incoming and outgoing mail; and community members won’t have to venture far from their doorsteps to give back to the local hungry in…
Public invited to “Monarch Madness” milkweed planting event on May 14
VENTURA — On Sat., May 14, from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host “Monarch Madness” – a free family-friendly milkweed planting event at their Willoughby Preserve in the Ventura River estuary. This open-to-the-public event is appropriate for people of all…
12th annual Rebozo Festival to be held May 15 at Camarillo Ranch
Proceeds benefit Ventura County non-profit agencies CAMARILLO — The Rebozo Festival, Inc. is pleased to announce the 12th annual Rebozo Festival, which will be held on Sunday, May 15th, 2016 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Camarillo Ranch. In…
Gold Coast Health Plan Hosts 5th Annual Community Resource Fair on May 14
Public is Invited to Day of Free Health Screenings, Resources and Entertainment OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) is holding a family-themed health fair in Oxnard on Saturday in anticipation of the thousands of children that are expected to enroll…
Former Oxnard Police Officer Lives Life of Purpose Through Foster Care
Natalie Cardenas Torres joins panel of inspirational speakers at Foster VC Kids Informational meeting, May 21 in Oxnard VENTURA COUNTY—Ventura County resident Natalie Cardenas Torres has always been drawn to a life of service, but she never imagined she’d be…
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Welcomes Jon L. Parra as New Board Member
SANTA BARBARA — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) welcomes retired Army Master Sgt. Jon L. Parra to the Board of Directors. Jon brings 20 years of experience in the Army with numerous years in leadership roles, extensive course training and multiple…
Bilingual commentary: Grandparent Privileges and Responsibilities
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…
VCMMCC Signals Rejection of Pharmacy Benefit Manager Selection
Commissioners to be More Active in the Selection Process CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission (VCMMCC) directed staff to prepare an agenda item for an upcoming special meeting formally rejecting all current bids received for the pharmacy benefit manager…
Community Discovers Future of Technology for Visually Impaired
SANTA BARBARA — Technology leaders recently shared insights on the evolution and future of technologies for the visually impaired at a Braille Institute Santa Barbara community education event titled Active Aging with Low Vision: Focus on Technology. Guests enjoyed a…
World Affairs Leader Selected for Leadership Mission to Israel
CENTRAL COAST — The World Affairs Councils of America — California Central Coast is pleased to announce that the Chairman Emeritus and Citizen Diplomat, Michael Phillip, has been invited to participate in a Leadership Mission to Israel during the first week…