SANTA BARBARA – In recognition of February as National Heart Month, the Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara will showcase symbolic red flags representing the American Heart Association (AHA), bearing the iconic heart and torch emblem. This will be the third year…
Author: Community Contributor
UCSB Chicana/o Studies scholar Aída Hurtado gives remarks at historic Women’s March on Washington
By Shelly Leachman • UCSB As a scholar, Aída Hurtado has marked multiple firsts in her study and teaching of Chicana/o studies and feminist theory. And now she’s made history of another kind, as a featured speaker at the recent…
Bilingual commentary: A Daughter’s Birthday
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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…
Guest commentary: Mentoring — Changing Lives, One Relationship at a Time
Take a moment to think about someone who has made a positive difference in your life. Who inspired you to do your best and dream big? For so many of us, having someone who supported our aspirations, gave guidance, and…
LULAC Statement on New Executive Orders on Border Wall and Sanctuary Cities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump (on Jan. 25) signed two controversial executive orders regarding the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and penalties for sanctuary cities. The proposed wall would extend along the southern border and would cost as…
Mental Wellness Center Welcomes Two New Board Members
SANTA BARBARA — The Mental Wellness Center is proud to announce the appointments of Ned Emerson and Vickie Gonzales to its Board of Directors. Ned Emerson brings over four decades of business and sales experience to the Mental Wellness Center’s…
Monique Limón “Counter Plans” for Inauguration
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) announced how she would be observing the days around the swearing in ceremonies of President-Elect Trump. “Several people have asked me what I will be doing when the 45th President of the United States…
Small Business Organizations Give Assemblymember Irwin Top Marks
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) was honored by the California Small Business Association and California Small Business Roundtable with the Summa Cum Laude distinction in their 2016 Legislative Honor Roll. Assemblymember Irwin was recognized for her extraordinary support…
Bilingual commentary: Refusing to Discuss
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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…
Lompoc Family YMCA Accepting Applications for Upcoming LIVESTRONG Program
Free program helps adult cancer survivors return to physical activity The Lompoc Family YMCA is accepting applications for its upcoming LIVESTRONG program, which helps adult cancer survivors return to physical activity, increase fitness performance and have better quality of life.…
Guest commentary: Professor, You’re Being Watched!?
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.…
Guest column: Residents hold the KEYS to Transform Oxnard into a Premier Art City of California
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. Armando Vazquez. Courtesy photo. By…
New Affordable Housing for Seniors Breaks Ground
SANTA BARBARA — After 113 years in the Santa Barbara community, Grace Lutheran Church began a new chapter on Jan. 5 with a groundbreaking to celebrate the start of construction of Grace Village, a new housing community for low-income seniors. Held…
Assemblymember Irwin received the “Golden Bear Award” from the California Enlisted Association of the National Guard (CAL EANGUS)
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) was honored by the California Enlisted Association of the National Guard (CAL EANGUS) with the prestigious “Golden Bear Award” for her impressive work improving the lives of California’s National Guard members. “Assemblywoman Irwin…
Unite to Light Partners with Innovative Mobile Donation App: Coin Up Turning Spare Change into Meaningful Change
Santa Barbara nonprofit aims to increase awareness and expand reach in 2017 SANTA BARBARA — Unite to Light has joined efforts with Coin Up to offer an innovative and efficient way for donors and activists to help their favorite cause using…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County: BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE is Creating a BIG Experience for Littles!
VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is looking for teams and individuals to participate in the annual BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE fundraising event, to help support a BIG experience for program youth: by supporting Bowl For Kids’…
Bilingual commentary: The Changing World of Retail
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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…
Ventura County Public Works Agency projects receive top honors at American Public Works Association award ceremony
VENTURA COUNTY – The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) can add three more recognitions to its list of notable accolades. This month, the American Public Works Association (APWA) Ventura County chapter announced its Projects of the Year awards, honoring three…
Gold Coast Transit District’s Robert Lurie, Director of Fleet and Facilities, retires after 35 years
OXNARD — After nearly 35 years of dedicated service, Gold Coast Transit District’s Robert Lurie, Director of Fleet and Facilities has retired. Lurie joined GCTD (then known as SCAT) in March of 1982 as a mechanic and by 1986 he was…
Fundación El Lustrador ayuda con donaciones en Guatemala
OXNARD — Ésta Semana, después del drástico incendio que afectó a parte de la población aledaña al basurero de la Zona 3 en la Ciudad de Guatemala, el 29 de diciembre de 2016. Observando esta tragedia humana LA UNIDAD DE…
LinkedIn Officially Endorses SBCC Career Skills Institute
SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Career Skills Institute is proud to announce its endorsement by LinkedIn for its outstanding efforts to build a better future for the community’s workforce and employers. The Career Skills Institute and LinkedIn share the common goal…
CSU Channel Islands receives grant to develop four-year teacher preparation programs
Grant will help university’s effort to develop Bilingual and Special Education teachers CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will receive a grant of almost $250,000 from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to develop four-year teacher preparation programs. California is experiencing…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Barbara County Celebrates 30 Years of Local Mentoring
SANTA BARBARA — In 2017, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Santa Barbara County will celebrate its 30th year of providing life-changing mentoring friendships for our community’s struggling youth. January is National Mentoring Month and currently over 80 at-risk children in Santa…
Gold Coast Transit District staff brought holiday cheer to the bus this season
OXNARD – Riding on a Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) bus isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind as a way to ring in the holidays; however, for the month of December that’s exactly what many GCTD passengers…
Bilingual commentary: Another Year to Build Our Lives
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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…
Last chance to submit art work for official poster contest of the 2017 California Strawberry Festival
OXNARD — The final days are fast approaching so start thinking berries! Art and strawberries can be a fruitful enterprise. Enter the 34th Annual California Strawberry Festival Official Poster Contest where the winner will receive $2,000 and four VIP tickets to the celebration…
Channel Island’s Maritime Museum Offers “Groups Only” Days for Customized Events
OXNARD — Private groups may now claim the Channel Island Maritime Museum as theirs exclusively for events and tours, the Museum recently announced. Perched on some of the most scenic waterfront property in Ventura County, the Museum gives visitors a…
Latino News Notes: More voters will have access to non-English ballots in the next election cycle
By D’Vera Cohn • Pew Research Center The federal government has long required election ballots in some U.S. jurisdictions to be printed in languages other than English, based on the number of voting-age citizens who live in those communities and have limited English…
Feb. 1 — Latino Thought Makers Series to present CBS Diversity Sketch Comedy Show
OXNARD — Join host of Latino Thought Makers RICK NAJERA (CBS, Hulu’s East Los High, Mad TV, In Living Color) Writer / Director / Comedian / as he directs the famed CBS Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase from Hollywood. Now see it…
Through Feb. 12 — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Ballet Hispánico
SANTA BARBARA — Doors open one half hour before the show starts. Reception follows concert. Las puertas se abrirán media hora antes de la functión. Habrá recepción después del concierto. More info: (805) 252-3493 or facebook.com/vivaelartesb Ballet Hispánico brings communities…
Through Jan. 31 — KHAY’s Dave Daniels Joins Foster VC for “Open Heart” Home Drive
VENTURA COUNTY — Every child deserves a family, and this New Year, 100.7 KHAY’s Dave Daniels hopes that by joining Foster VC Kids for their “Open Heart” drive, through Jan. 31st, more dedicated families who are ready for the life-changing experience…
Feb. 25 — Foster VC Kids to hold Open Hearts Town Hall Meeting in Oxnard
Local Nurses’ Hearts Beat for Foster Kids VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County resident and foster parent Sandra Chronis has always had a special place in her heart for babies. The labor and delivery nurse made a career out of welcoming…
Feb. 24 — ‘An Evening of Chican@ Rock: Quetzal,” The Hub, Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center is hosting An Evening of Chicano Rock with East L.A. band QUETZAL on Friday, February 24th at 8 pm. A Grammy-Award winning East LA Chican@ rock group, Quetzal is the collaborative project of Quetzal Flores (guitar),…
Feb. 21 — Bilingual Presentation “Laundry in 18th and 19th century Mexico” by Marie Francois, Ph.D., Professor of History
Santa Paula — Bilingual Presentation — “Laundry in 18th and 19th century Mexico” by Marie Francois, Ph.D., Professor of History, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, Blanchard Community Library, 119 North 8th Street, Santa Paula. Abstract: Las lavanderas de la ciudad de México…
Feb. 25 — Social Justice Fund for Ventura County presenting free workshop — ‘Hidden Prejudice: Barriers to Success in Education’
CAMARILLO — The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County will present the free workshop — “Hidden Prejudice: Barriers to Success in Education” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Ventura County Community Foundation, 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo.…
Feb. 24 — Ventura County Go Red For Women Luncheon set for the Four Seasons – Westlake Village
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The American Heart Association will host its annual Ventura County Go Red For Women Luncheon on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Four Seasons – Westlake Village, Two Dole Drive in Westlake Village. The Luncheon will begin…
Feb. 22 — How to Create and Market Videos to Get Your P.R. Message Across is Topic at February PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Meeting
OXNARD — Pictures often are worth more than words for individuals and companies promoting brands and seeking publicity in today’s 24/7 media world. Tony Pinto, owner of Simi Valley-based Pinto Productions, will share his insights on delivering a public relations…
Feb. 4 — Beowulf: The Bear’s Son – A reading by local author Jon Christopher – at the Ojai Library
SUBJECT: Beowulf: The Bear’s Son – A reading by local author Jon Christopher – at the Ojai Library CONTACT: Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, (805) 218-9146 Julie Albright, Youth Librarian, (805) 646-6019 DATE: February 4, 2017; 2 p.m. Local author Jon…
Feb. 25-26 — Consulado Móvil in Santa Maria
Dears friends: On behalf of the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard it is my pleasure to share with you the following information: On Saturday February 25th and Sunday February 26th 2017 we will have aMobile Consulate in the City of Santa Maria California We will be from 8:00…
Feb. 18-19 — Art Comes Alive at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum
OXNARD — Visitors of all ages can enjoy an assortment of maritime mysteries associated with the life and times of historical characters, portrayed by volunteers in period costume, and hear stories about the fascinating maritime heritage surrounding rare and beautiful paintings…
Through Feb. 26 — ‘On the Margin / Luchando Contra El Olvido’ at the Carnegie Art Museum
OXNARD — The exhibit of “On the Margin / Luchando Contra El Olvido” by CAM Studio Guest Artist Antonio Arredondo Juarez will be presented through Feb. 26 at the Carnegie Art Museum, 329 N. Fifth St., Oxnard. Antonio Arredondo Juarez was born…
Feb. 14 — Bruising for Besos Central Coast Premiere Film Screening
TUESDAY FEB. 14TH 6-8:30PM 1500 DEL NORTE CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS. Bruising for Besos is an intimate character study of YOLI— a charismatic and complicated Xicana lesbian making family in a Queer and Trans People Of Color (QTPOC) suburban Los Angeles…
Feb. 9 — Ventura County Climate HUB “Climate Health: Protect-Plan-Participate”
Ventura County Climate Hub Monthly Meeting 2017 Climate Protection Planning WHEN: Thursday, February 9th. Doors open 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Unitarian-Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston St, Ventura, 93003, rear parking lot to Fellowship Hall. WHAT: The Ventura County…
Feb. 3 — San Luis Wear Red Day Luncheon at the San Luis Obispo Country Club
SAN LUIS OBISPO — The American Heart Association will host its annual Wear Red Luncheon in San Luis Obispo on Friday, February 3, 2017 at the San Luis Obispo County Club, 255 Country Club Drive in San Luis Obispo. The Wear…
Feb. 11 — Grand Opening Ushers Exceptional Senior Living into Small-Town Carpinteria
CARPINTERIA — On Saturday Feb. 11th, GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care community will celebrate the grand opening of its exceptional one-of-a-kind property in the intimate beachside town of Carpinteria, CA. Celebrated for its decision not to disturb the coastline…
Feb. 8 — Conejo Democrats to present ‘The Next Steps to Healthcare Reform’
DCCV to hold annual Oscar Party Fundraiser on Feb. 26 Conejo Democrats Club Meeting: “The Next Steps to Healthcare Reform” Wednesday February 8, 2017 Social Networking at 6:30 – Meeting at 7:00 PM North Ranch Center 1400 N. Westlake Blvd.…
Feb. 5 — Santa Paula Art Museum Free Family Day: Mysteries at the Museum
Admission is free for everyone SANTA PAULA – Discover the mysteries of the Santa Paula Art Museum at a Free Family Day event on Sunday, February 5, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests can explore the Art About Agriculture and The…
Feb. 9 — Speakers Rick Najera & Soraya Deen Talk Diversity at Canoga Park High School
CANOGA PARK — Diversity leaders Soraya Deen and Rick Najera will speak at Canoga Park High School in Canoga Park, CA on Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m. to raise funds for Multicultural Learning Center’s (MLC) graduating class of 2017 and for Canoga Park High…
Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. hosting Dental Health Fair on Feb. 11 in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month
OXNARD — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. If you have a baby or toddler, you may have questions about thumb sucking, your child’s first dental visit or how and when to clean your child’s teeth. If so, on February…
Feb. 11 — 2017 Arcade Poetry Series — Alicia Morris Soto and Nancy-Jean Pement at the Carnegie Art Museum, Oxnard
OXNARD — 2017 Arcade Poetry Series — Alicia Morris Soto and Nancy-Jean Pement at the Carnegie Art Museum, Oxnard on Saturday, Feb. 11. Upcoming events: March 18 Christopher Buckley and Sara Borjas April 8 Lauren Henley & Jonathan Maule with Zayan…