VENTURA — TAKE A HUNGRY PERSON TO LUNCH at a participating downtown Ventura restaurant Thursday, Nov 17 10:30 am – 2 pm in recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: November 12-20 Meet Thursday., Nov. 17, at 10:30 a.m. at…
Author: Community Contributor
Prestigious Ojai Studio Artists Tour set for October 8, 9 & 10
OJAI — The 33rd annual self-guided Ojai Studio Artists Tour – one of the exemplary art events in California – is set for Columbus Day weekend, October 8, 9 and 10. “We have over 50 studios on the tour this year,”…
Designs from the Deep: The Architecture of the Shell Opening Oct. 10
OXNARD – Opening October 10, 2016 and running through January 1, 2017, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum presents the exhibition Designs from the Deep: The Architecture of the Shell. Visitors will explore the science of shells, the tiny architects that reside…
Local PODS to Store Free Books for 10th Annual Storyfest on Oct. 8
VENTURA — Local PODS Moving and Storage leader will once again serve as the storage provider to the 10th Annual StoryFest, a free event that promotes early literacy amongst children and their families while preparing them for school. On Saturday,…
Bilingual commentary: Thoughts Mold Our Faces
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…
Two of SBCC Engineering’s Best Named Great Minds in STEM™
SANTA BARBARA — A current student and an alumnus of the Santa Barbara City College Engineering program were both awarded top recognitions by Great Minds in STEM™ for their achievements in engineering and technology. Ana Isabel Espinoza-Agundis, a mechanical engineering major, was awarded…
GranVida Educates Community on Memory Care Services
CARPINTERIA — Most seniors expect to live out their lives enjoying time with their families and making more memories to cherish, however more than 5 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, leaving them dependent on others to help them…
SBCC President Beebe shares Results of Community Survey
SANTA BARBARA — On his first day as Superintendent/President of Santa Barbara City College, Anthony E. Beebe sent out a community survey asking “If only I were the new SBCC President, I would…” The survey was released on July 1, 2016…
Gov. Jerry Brown signs bill authored by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson to streamline the environmental review process
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown has just signed a bill authored by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help expedite the environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California’s landmark law for evaluating and mitigating the environmental impacts…
Braille Institute Offers More Than 70 Fall Classes to Help People with Low Vision Pursue Passions and Stay Active in Our Communities
Free, innovative classes build confidence and skills to help people return to activities they love SANTA BARBARA —Free fall classes at Braille Institute Santa Barbara offer life-enhancing and life-changing experiences to anyone in the tri-county area facing the challenges of vision loss. The fall…
EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center Receives Funds for Doing What Matters for Jobs & the Economy Initiative
CENTRAL COAST — The Business & Entrepreneurship Center at Cuesta College (BEC) recently awarded $25,000 to the Economic Development Center-Ventura County’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as part of the Doing What Matters for Jobs & the Economy initiative. The funding,…
City National Bank in Partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County Provide Free Back-To-School Backpacks and Supplies to Local School children
SANTA BARBARA — Recently, students at Franklin Elementary School received backpacks filled with school supplies. The backpacks were distributed to K-2nd grade students in need, compliments of City National Bank. Each backpack included a pink eraser, No. 2 pencils, a pencil sharpener,…
Graduation Ceremony Honors Students Forging New Lives Outside of Prison
SANTA BARBARA — Thirty formerly incarcerated individuals intent on turning their lives around, including students from Santa Barbara City College’s EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) program, were honored at the Santa Barbara Day Reporting Center (DRC) commencement ceremony on…
Bilingual commentary: “That’s How It’s Done”
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…
Dr. Omar Flores Brings Vast Experience to Via Real Physical Therapy
CARPINTERIA — Via Real Physical Therapy announces a new addition to its team with Dr. Omar Flores as Supervising Physical Therapist. Dr. Omar Flores, PT, DPT, CSCS received his doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from the University of the Pacific in…
PR Pros Launch Scholarships for Area Students – New PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Launches Program to Support Tri-County College Students
CENTRAL COAST — The newly formed Central Coast chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is offering two scholarships to recognize outstanding individual college students who are committed to studying communication or public relations in the Tri-Counties area. The…
Commentary: The eternal gift of art from maestro Francisco Magdaleno
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 Armando Vazquez / Guest…
VetNet Collaboration Helps Local Veterans Access Crucial Resources
SANTA BARBARA — Representatives from more than 40 local agencies and nonprofits that support veterans in the tri-counties come together every other month for VetNet meetings, which provide an opportunity to network, share resources, collaborate and coordinate services and maximize…
Sponsorships Available and Auction Items Needed for BGCOP’s 27th Annual Donald K. Facciano Kids Auction & Gala
OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is seeking the help of individuals and businesses to donate items for auction and sponsors for the upcoming 27th Annual Donald K. Facciano Kids Auction & Gala.…
New Non-Profit Provides Much-Needed Information on Ventura County Agriculture
VENTURA COUNTY — A new non-profit organization has been created to provide educational resources and highlight the important roles played by farmers, ranchers and agriculture in Ventura County. The 501(c)(3) organization, Treasure Our Farms, will showcase local growers and livestock…
CSU Channel Islands Reports Record Enrollment for Fall 2016
CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CI) is reporting its largest entering class of undergraduates in history at 2,152 students. The class includes 1,021 freshmen and was selected from a record number of freshman 10,312 applicants, an increase of nearly 9…
Guest commentary: Rest in Eternal Peace Bobby; you’re home now my Brother!
A tribute by Armando Vazquez My compadre, the great boxer Bobby Chacon, died Wednesday, September 7, 2016 according to news report I picked up on from the internet. We had long lost touch with one another. At the end…
United Way begins Campaign Year with the most Profitable Event in its History
CAMARILLO —United Way of Ventura County raised a record net profit of $75,000 at its recently rebranded Spirit Awards Gala. “We are thrilled by the outstanding result and this sets the pace of our campaigns that kicks off next month,”…
GranVida Educates Community on Memory Care Services. Walk to End Alzheimer’s to be held Oct. 1
CARPINTERIA — Most seniors expect to live out their lives enjoying time with their families and making more memories to cherish, however more than 5 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, leaving them dependent on others to help them…
Bilingual commentary: The Borderline
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…
Nationally Recognized Afterschool Program Open for Registration through Santa Barbara Family YMCA
SANTA BARBARA – As the school year begins, the Santa Barbara Family YMCA is registering children in kindergarten through middle school for its afterschool programs available at Hope Elementary School and Hope Elementary School. YMCA Afterschool is recognized as the premier…
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Receives National Award for Innovation in Care
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics was honored by BD, Direct Relief and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) with an Innovations in Care Award at the 2016 Community Health Institute and EXPO in Chicago. Part of the…
Resolving the ‘Hispanic Paradox’ — Study co-authored by a UCSB researcher reveals Latinos age slower, neutralizing higher health risks of obesity and diabetes
By Jim Logan / UC Santa Barbara A new paper co-authored by a UC Santa Barbara researcher reveals that Latinos age at a slower rate than other ethnic groups. The findings, published in the current issue of Genome Biology, may one day…
Ventura County Public Works Agency announces Chris Cooper as new Director of Engineering Services Department
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named as the Director of the Agency’s Engineering Services Department (ESD). Cooper succeeds Herbert Schwind who served VCPWA for over 4 years and retired earlier this year. Cooper is…
Bank of America Grants $10,000 toward Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Programs
CENTRAL COAST — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announced it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Bank of America in support of their critical affordable housing developments and support programs for their residents in the Tri-Counties. The Bank of America…
The CLL Celebrates Three Years of Lifelong Learning
More than 350 classes and workshops with 70 brand-new classes to “Fall” in love with SANTA BARBARA — Going back to school isn’t just for kids this fall. Grown-ups can discover their passion at every age at the SBCC Center for…
Youth and Family Services YMCA Welcomes Valerie Kissell as New Executive Director
CENTRAL COAST — Youth and Family Services YMCA is proud to announce Valerie Kissell as its new Executive Director. Kissell is an accomplished Executive Director with over 20 years of executive leadership and partnership building in the nonprofit and public…
It’s Back to School Time with Santa Barbara Humane Society!
SANTA BARBARA — Just in time for back to school, nonprofit Santa Barbara Humane Society is bringing valuable learning experiences to children in elementary schools throughout Santa Barbara County through its Humane Education program. “Our classroom presentations align with our…
Ventura County Education Leaders Endorse Carla Castilla For 3rd District Supervisor
CAMARILLO – Dr. Mark Lisagor, current President of the Ventura County Board of Education; Christina (Tina) Urias, Santa Paula Unified School District Board Member; Bob Rust, Pleasant Valley School District Board Member, announced their support of Carla Castilla to succeed retiring…
Ventura County Young Democrats, Ventura County Democratic Party have endorsed Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios for Ventura City Council
VENTURA —Ventura County Young Democrats and the Ventura County Democratic Party have endorsed Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios for Ventura City Council. “Jeannette’s dedication to working families is unsurpassed by none,” said Shawn Terris, Chair of the Ventura County Democratic Party. “Her integrity…
Bilingual commentary: Bilingual Antipathy
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…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Alumna and National Scholar Andrea Delgado Takes ‘Strong, Smart, and Bold’ Experience Abroad
Harvard pre-med student gains first-hand healthcare experience in Latin America CARPINTERIA — Andrea Delgado of Carpinteria joined Girls Inc. of Carpinteria when she was just five years old, attending the nonprofit’s After-School Enrichment and Summer Camp programs. Now, the 21-year-old is entering…
Santa Barbara Family YMCA Announces Craig Prentice as New Executive Director
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Family YMCA is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Prentice as its new Executive Director. Prentice joined the YMCA family straight out of college in 1993 as a Program Director at Cresenta-Canada Family…
Former U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis to Lead Ventura County Democratic Party Celebration on Sept. 18
VENTURA — Democratic activists in Ventura County will come together for their annual fundraising event on Sunday, September 18th at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Hilda Solis, the first Hispanic woman to be appointed to…
Bilingual commentary: The Hatred Beneath the Surface
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…
Lompoc Family YMCA’s 17th Annual “Kids for Character” Golf Tournament Successfully Raises Support for Local Youth and Families
LOMPOC — The Lompoc Family YMCA hosted its 17th Annual “Kids For Character” Golf Tournament, “The Ketrenia Klassic,” in memory of the late Ketrenia Hall on July 22 at the Village Country Club. This year’s tournament was a soaring success…
In a new paper, UCSB scholar says ancient hieroglyphic texts reveal Mayans made a major discovery in math, astronomy
By Jim Logan / UC Santa Barbara For more than 120 years the Venus Table of the Dresden Codex — an ancient Mayan book containing astronomical data — has been of great interest to scholars around the world. The accuracy…
Ventura County Will Be Rockin’ September 9th As Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen Opens The Doors At The Collection At RiverPark In Oxnard To The Ultimate Dining & Entertainment Experience
OXNARD — Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen will be opening their newest location at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on Friday, September 9th. Introducing the hottest dining and live entertainmentcopper.1 concept to Ventura County, Copper Blues is a…
2016 RISE Up Award Winners Announced
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – The RISE Up Awards recognize excellence in community service supporting RISE’s sexual assault and intimate partner violence programs; the 2016 RISE Up Award winners are District Attorney Investigator Donna Jones, RISE Friends Committee member Nancy…
Back-To-School Essentials And Savings To Be Found At Centerpoint Mall
OXNARD — Centerpoint Mall offer back-to-school essentials and savings on top items at the more than 49 retail, specialty, entertainment and dining options ranging from apparel and shoes to supplies and electronics, among others. Centerpoint Mall is just the right…
NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County to Offer Family-to-Family Education Program for Families of Adults Living with Mental Illness
SANTA BARBARA — NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County, a program of the Mental Wellness Center, will offer its Family-to-Family Education Program for family members of adults living with mental health conditions. The free, 12-session course is designed to help all…
MAC Set to Open New Location at The Collection at RiverPark
OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark announced today that internationally renowned cosmetic brand MAC would be joining the line-up of shopping options. MAC is known for its professional grade make-up, cult following and trendsetting collaborations. Originally created for professional makeup…
La Misa Negra to perform at UCSB on Sept. 19
SANTA BARBARA — La Misa Negra will from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 at the San Miguel Stage at the UCSB Multicultural Center. La Misa Negra is a 9-piece band from Oakland, California that plays a unique blend of…
A bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson to help disabled veterans who work in California Schools heads to the Governor
SACRAMENTO — A bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help disabled veterans who are transitioning from military service into a new career working in California’s public schools passed off the Assembly floor today on a bipartisan, 65-0 vote…
VCCDC Receives $35,000 From Wells Fargo To Help Women In Ventura County Achieve Homeownership & Financial Stability
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) was recently awarded a $35,000 grant by Wells Fargo to support its Mi Casa Mi Hogar (My House My Home) Program which is designed to assist a highly vulnerable population – women…
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson new parent leave bill heads to the governor
Legislation Would Provide Up to 2.7 Million More Parents With Job-Protected Leave SACRAMENTO – A California Legislative Women’s Caucus priority bill to provide job-protected new parent leave for up to 2.7 million more Californians has passed off the Senate floor and…
Elderly Couple Stores 50 Years of Memories in Donated PODS Container after Losing their Home
CENTRAL COAST — With 50 years of Hank and Helen Kawecki’s memories packed into boxes and stacked into their neighbor’s garage, friends of the couple knew that more room would be needed to help the couple store and move their…
United Way of Ventura County reports on Stuff the Bus program, 12th Annual Spirit Awards Gala honoring Hank Lacayo
President’s Message Dear Friends, Summer has been busy at United Way. Thanks to the generosity of donors contributing at 70 collection sites across Ventura County and the generous time of our volunteers, our Stuff the Bus program again exceeded our expectations.…
Oxnard Salsa Festival Announces Fundraising Totals and Winners of the 2016 ‘Dancing with our Community Stars Dance Contest & Charity Fundraiser’
OXNARD — The Oxnard Salsa Festival is pleased to announce the winners and the total amount of money raised for the 2016 ‘Dancing with our Community Stars Dance Contest & Charity Fundraiser’. This year’s competition included an All-Star line-up in celebration…
Teatro de las Américas reports Drama Department Returning to Oxnard College
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas reports that the Drama Department is returning to Oxnard College. We are happy to support the return to Oxnard College of the Drama Department. Sign up for the two courses: THTR R111 – Introduction to Theater…
Cal Lutheran receives $1.2M federal grant
TRIO programs will now reach county’s junior highs THOUSAND OAKS — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded California Lutheran University a $1.2 million grant to provide Ventura County’s only federal TRIO program serving middle school students. The Talent Search…
Kids Have a Blast at Page Youth Center’s Summer Fun Extravaganza
SANTA BARBARA — Page Youth Center (PYC) recently welcomed the community to their Summer Fun Extravaganza event. Kids of all ages enjoyed a day of craft making, face painting, jump houses, food and live music along with a visit from…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing and Duncan Group Welcomes, Bids Farewell to Board Members
SANTA BARBARA — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) and its affiliate nonprofit property management agent, The Duncan Group (TDG), would like to thank retiring board member B. Ray Gateley, as well as welcome newly elected members Paula Johnson and Menka Sethi.…
St. Francis Foundation Awards $940,000 in Grants for Community Health to 18 South Coast Nonprofits
SANTA BARBARA — St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara has awarded its 2016 grants totalling $940,000 to 18 community nonprofits that provide healthcare, senior services or end of life care to those most in need throughout Santa Barbara’s South Coast.…
Bilingual commentary: Careers and Jobs in a technical world
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 is on vacation.…
A Condition of the Heart May be Cure for Foster Parenting Myths
SANTA BARBARA — “Santa Barbara suffers from a serious shortage of resource families to care for the county’s 425 children in need of a loving home, and a number of untrue but persistent myths about foster care may be responsible for…
Last weekend: Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Esperanza Rising’ Sept. 30 through Oct. 2
WHAT: “Esperanza Rising” WHO: Teatro de las Américas and Oxnard College present a play written by Lynne Alvarez based on the book by Pam Ryan Muñoz. Music by Victor Zupanc. Directed by Miguel Heredia. WHEN: Fridays and Saturdays, September 16, 23, 24, 30,…
‘Go Bananas’ at the 5th Annual Banana Festival at the Port of Hueneme on Sept. 24
PORT HUENEME — It’s time to ‘Go Bananas’ once again when the 5th Annual Banana Festival at the Port takes place on Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District, 105…
Coffee Session with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin on Sept. 17 in Oxnard
OXNARD — Join Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin for coffee and take an opportunity to discuss legislation and local issues from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at Tomas Café & Gallery, 622 S. A St., Oxnard. RSVP by calling 805-483-4488.
‘Life Force,” an exhibit of the artwork of Hiroko Yoshimoto & Bob Privitt to be held through Sept. 24 at Studio Channel Islands
CAMARILLO — September begins the new art season and the Blackboard Gallery located at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo is opening with a phenomenal new exhibition called “Life Force”. Artists Hiroko Yoshimoto & Bob Privitt are world renowned artists, each bring…
National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 27
VENTURA COUNTY — On Tuesday, September 27, 2016 the Ventura County Elections Division along with the rest of the country will be celebrating Nation Voter Registration Day! This is a great opportunity for those who have yet to register to vote…
4th Annual ‘Evening in Bloom’ Gala to Honor Betty Brown to be held Sept. 24
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will host its largest annual fundraiser “An Evening in Bloom,” a glamorous evening of dinner, dancing and beautiful orchids, on Saturday, September 24 from 5:30pm-10pm at Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria. The elegant annual affair…
United Way of Santa Barbara County Hosts 25th Annual Day of Caring on Sept. 17
SANTA BARBARA —United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) will hold its 25th Annual Day of Caring from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Throughout the day, more than 1,400 participants of all ages will volunteer at a…
After rescuing animals in Japan for the past 5 years, Nyander Guard Comes to Ventura County Animal Services, Camarillo to share their story Sept. 20
CAMARILLO — After dedicating the last five years of his life to rescuing animals in Japan, Nyander Guard Animal Rescue founder, Akira Honda (Taicho) comes to Ventura County to share his story Sept. 17-20 at the Ventura County Animal Services,…
Anchors Away! Cabrillo’s San Salvador makes its Maiden Voyage to Oxnard through Sept. 18
OXNARD — Join in the celebration and step back in time as the remarkable full-scale replica of San Salvador – the first European vessel to explore California’s coast – makes her maiden voyage and first stop at the Channel Islands…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Job Center has new location as of Sept. 26
OXNARD — On Monday, Sept. 26, a Ventura County Human Services Agency office designated as an America’s Job Center of California will begin to serve job seekers and employers at its new location, 2901 N. Ventura Road in Oxnard near The…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Members Visit Washington D.C.
CARPINTERIA — Ten local girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria recently returned from an inspiring trip to Washington D.C. as part of the organization’s Eureka! program, a five-year, college-bound program that aims to break gender stereotypes and encourages girls to…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! announces Cimarrón: Music from the plains of Colombia performance from through Sept. 18
SANTA BARBARA — From the plains of the Orinoco River which runs between Venezuela and Colombia, Cimarrón perform the festive dance music of joropo, a fiercely virtuoso display of rippling melodies and powerful rhythms combining Andalusian, indigenous American, and African roots.…
Changes and Challenges: An Inside Look at the LA Rams Move -LA Rams Director discusses move and challenges at September PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Meeting on Sept. 28
THOUSAND OAKS — It’s been over 20 years, but the Rams are back in Los Angeles again and practicing at California Lutheran University. Artis Twyman, senior director of communications for the Rams, shares his story of changes and challenges with…
CSU Channel Islands to host San Francisco Mime Troupe actors as they take an irreverent look at 2016 politics on Sept. 29
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) Performing Arts students and two members of the award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe will conduct an interactive lecture/performance satirizing the politics of 2016 along with political shenanigans from years past. The public is welcome to…
August lineup for Channel Islands Harbor’s Concerts by the Sea – Free summer concert series held at Peninsula Park
OXNARD — Channel Islands Harbor continues its Concerts by the Sea each Saturday of the summer through Aug. 27. The free summer concert series is held from 4-6 p.m. at Peninsula Park, 3401 Peninsula Road, Oxnard at Channel Islands Harbor,…
EDD to present ‘State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar’ on Aug. 23
SIMI VALLEY — The EDC-VC and EDD will present “Get it Right from the Start — State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at the Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon…
Sept. 30 Registration Deadline for High Schoolers Interested in Santa Barbara Family YMCA Youth & Government Program
SANTA BARBARA – High school students interested in a six-month hands-on experience in democracy are encouraged to apply to the Santa Barbara Family YMCA’s Youth and Government program. Registration closes on September 30. Participants experience first-hand how state government works;…
Ventura County Housing Trust Fund (VCHTF) announces Sept. 22 as date for annual fundraising event to focus on ‘Housing Opportunities for People with Special Needs’
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Housing Trust Fund (VCHTF) is proud to announce the date of its annual fundraising event with a focus on Housing Opportunities for People with Special Needs, on Thursday,September 22, 2016, 5:00-8:30 p.m., at the historic Camarillo Ranch, Camarillo,…
SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center and Port of Hueneme Host Global T Immersion Micro-Internship Program for Apollo High School Students on Sept. 22
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will host its third Global T-Immersion micro-internship for Apollo high school students with its business partner, the Port of Hueneme, on Thursday, September 22, 2016. This private Global…
United Way of Ventura County to honor Hank Lacayo with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award” on Aug. 25
President’s Message Dear Friends, Spring is passing us by quickly and, before you know it, graduations will take place and our Stuff the Bus program will be gathering school supplies again for the next school year. Where does the time…
Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft show comes to Ventura County Fairgrounds Sept. 30 through Oct. 3
VENTURA — A filled to the brim showcase of 24,000 handmade creations, the 27th Annual Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft show gets underway Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Seaside Park at the beach becomes a…
‘Making Amends: Wyatt Amend, Susan Stinsmuehlen-Amend, Richard Amend’ exhibit at Studio Channel Islands through Aug. 27
CAMARILLO — The new exhibition “Making Amends,” opening at the Blackboard Gallery at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo, is a family affair. A father, mother and son trio, each an accomplished professional artist in their own right, now for the first…
Ventura’s historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District to celebrate works of hundreds of regional artists for annual ArtWalk Ventura, Oct. 1-2
VENTURA — The streets of the city of Ventura’s historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District will transform into a mecca of artistic expression for the 23rd ArtWalk Ventura event the weekend of Oct. 1-2. The two-day Southern California art tradition…
Ventura Native Chronicles Lives of His Family’s Daring WWII War Correspondents Author to Present Eve of a Hundred Midnights at Community Series Oct. 5
VENTURA — Author Bill Lascher will be the inaugural speaker for the new Engage & Enlighten community event series hosted by the law firm Ferguson Case Orr Paterson (FCOP), 5:30–7:30 p.m., Oct. 5, at 1050 South Kimball Road, Ventura. The…
Ventura County Military Collaborative to present ‘Military & Veterans Expo & Job Fair’ on Aug. 27
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Military Collaborative will present a “Military & Veterans Expo & Job Fair” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 at the Camarillo Community Center, 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo. The free event will bring more than…
Free Community Jarocho Workshop with Cambalache presented by ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! on Sept. 15
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Cambalache in Free Community Jarocho Workshop Thursday / Jueves, SEPT 15, 7:00 – 8:30 PM La Casa de La Raza, 601 E. Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, CA FREE / Entrada gratuita Free community…
CI spring semester enrollment open for transfer students through Aug. 31
CAMARILLO — As a 20-year-old computer programmer, Fernando Becerra-Cruz knew he was not cut out to work in a factory, washing and stacking heavy plastic strawberry jam barrels at the rate of about 100 an hour. “This was hard, physical…
Top level music production technology company to visit Haydock Academy of Arts & Sciences on Oct. 7
OXNARD — On Friday October 7th the top level music production technology company Ableton will be visiting the Haydock Academy Middle School in Oxnard, CA as part of the International Push Initiative to bring music technology into educational institutions. This…
RSVP deadline is Aug. 26 for CAUSE’S Raising Justice ‘Quinceañera — An Afternoon of Celebrating 15 years of Working for Regional Equality on the Central Coast’
VENTURA — Patti Chang, former president and CEO of The Women’s Foundation of California, will be the keynote speaker at CAUSE’S Raising Justice “Quinceañera — An Afternoon of Celebrating 15 years of Working for Regional Equality on the Central Coast,” on…
Local PODS Puts Oxnard Union High Schools Football Training Camp Fundraising in Scoring Position
OXNARD — Local PODS moving and storage may make a winning season for Oxnard Union High School’s football teams by donating containers and services for the football boosters’ yearly fundraiser at this summer’s Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard. Two…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present Los Cambalache in free concerts through Sept. 18
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present Cambalache, Son Jarocho, Sept. 16 through 18. CONCERT Friday, September 16, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd., Goleta CONCERT Saturday, September 17, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Guadalupe City Hall, 918…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Presents Fourth Annual Heroes of Hospice Awards and this Year’s Recipients on Sept. 7
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara will recognize its 2016 Heroes of Hospice in three categories: Partnership, Legacy and Volunteer. Each year, HSB honors the outstanding community volunteers and supporters who play a vital role in its mission to provide…
Pages from life in the 1960s Los Angeles barrio on display at CSU Channel Islands through Oct. 7
CAMARILLO — School segregation, the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War were topics pulsing through Los Angeles barrios in the 1960s, but the Latino voices in the area went largely unheard and unpublished. Writer/editor Tony Solis Gomez and about five…
Bilingual commentary: Gender Labels
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…
Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen Opens the Doors at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on Sept. 9
OXNARD — Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen will be opening their newest location at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on Friday, September 9th. Introducing the hottest dining and live entertainment concept to Ventura County, Copper Blues is a…
Support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Enter to Win V.I.P. Tickets to See Dolly Parton at the Santa Barbara Bowl
United Way of Santa Barbara County Program Ensures Children Ages 0-5 Have Access to Books SANTA BARBARA – In support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, United Way of Santa Barbara County is raffling an exclusive V.I.P package to Dolly Parton’s…
Foster VC Kids Hosts Spanish Foster Family Informational Session on Aug. 24
VENTURA COUNTY — Currently in Ventura County, over 1,000 children and youth in foster care need loving families, mentors, and advocates who will support them as if they were their own. Foster VC Kids relies on resource parents and families…
Inaugural Oxnard Jazz Festival to be held Sept. 10
OXNARD — The inaugural Oxnard Jazz Festival to be held Sept. 10 at Oxnard Beach Park, 1601 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard. Doors open at 10 a.. with show times from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFO &…
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, Assemblymember Das Williams to host Family health Fair in Santa Paula on Sept. 10
SANTA PAULA – Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) will host a free Family Health Fair on Saturday, September 10th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park across from City Hall in Santa Paula. Hosted in conjunction with…
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County to present ‘Education and the American Dream’ on Sept. 10
CAMARILLO — The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County will present the interact workshop “Education and the American Dream” from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Ventura County Community Foundation, 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo. Education is…
It’s Back! — Oxnard Jazz Festival announces 72 Hour Sale for Sept. 10 event
OXNARD — The Oxnard Jazz Festival is announcing a 72 Hour Sale where you can buy 3 tickets and get one free, lawn seats only, online only. The Oxnard Jazz Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept.…
South Oxnard / Port Hueneme GradNation Community Summit to be held Sept. 10
OXNARD —The South Oxnard / Port Hueneme GradNation Community Summit to will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at Hueneme High School, 500 Bard Road, Oxnard. Oscar Cruz, from Families in Schools, will be the featured…
11th Annual Boys & Girls Club’s ‘Day for Kids’ to be held Sept. 10
OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme invites the community to the 11th Annual “Day for Kids” 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Martin V. Smith Youth Center, 1900 West…
12th Annual Santa Barbara Yacht Club Charity Regatta to be held Sept. 10
DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2016 TIME: Noon to 7:00 PM LOCATION: Santa Barbara Yacht Club: 130 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 TICKETS: Cost & Registration Information TBA DESCRIPTION: The Santa Barbara Yacht Club hosts a day of yacht racing,…
Living Gallery to Transform Ventura Harbor Village on Sept. 10-11
VENTURA — The iconic Ventura Harbor Village will once again serve as the seaside backdrop for the 8th annual Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival to benefit FOOD Share, Ventura County’s regional food bank. On Saturday Sept. 10 and Sunday…
3rd annual El Concilio Golf Classic to be held at Spanish Hills Country Club on Sept. 12
CAMARILLO — The 3rd annual El Concilio Golf Classic will begin with a Shotgun Start at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. Sept. 12 at the Spanish Hills Country Club, Camarillo. “Come play golf with your friends and support El Concilio. Prizes,…
New docent class at Channel Islands Maritime Museum begins Sept. 12
OXNARD — A new docent class at Channel Islands Maritime Museum begins Sept. 12. Our volunteers are the backbone of the Museum. As a volunteer there are dozens of different ways to contribute your time. Conduct tours for visitors Staff the front desk and…
FOOD Share’s Inaugural Blue Jean Ball Finds Home at Walnut Grove on Sept. 15
MOORPARK — FOOD Share’s inaugural Blue Jean Ball is coming to the beautiful Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada farms on Thursday September 15th from 5-9pm. The regional food bank’s signature fundraiser will help raise the support necessary to feed the…
Legendary Music Icon Johnny Mathis Supports Local Seniors Through Special Event Sponsorship
SANTA YNEZ — Rona Barrett Foundation announces sponsorship opportunities and first four sponsors for annual fundraising event benefiting the Golden Inn & Village The Rona Barrett Foundation is honored to announce legendary singer Johnny Mathis as the Sentimental Journey sponsor…
Boys & Girls Clubs Honor Staff and Board Members at Annual Event – 62nd Board of Directors and Officers Installed
VENTURA COUNTY — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme installed its 62nd Board of Directors and honored staff and board members at its annual installation and staff appreciation dinner at the Martin V. Smith Clubhouse…
Rona Barrett Foundation Welcomes Dr. Lisa Clement as New Board Member
SANTA YNEZ — The Rona Barrett Foundation is proud to welcome Lisa Clement, M.D. as the newest member of their Board of Directors. Dr. Clement practices internal medicine in the Santa Ynez Valley, and brings to the Foundation 23 years…
Gold Coast Transit District Implementing Bus Services Changes this Sunday
VENTURA COUNTY — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), the largest public transportation provider in Ventura County, will make adjustments to its fixed-route bus service on Sunday, July 31, 2016. GCTD is making the minor changes primarily to help improve overall…
Assemblymember Irwin Launches 2016 Boot Drive for Homeless Veterans
Boot Drive will be part of the Ventura County Stand Down event CAMARILLO – As part of the preparations for this year’s Ventura County Stand Down event, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) will be collecting gently used boots from Ventura County’s…
Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture at CI joins Getty-led collaboration with arts institutions across Southern California
CAMARILLO — An exhibit scheduled to go up in fall of 2017 on the CSU Channel Islands (CI) campus will be part of a larger collaboration of exhibits across Southern California called Pacific Standard Time LA/LA. The Getty-led collaboration explores Latin American and…
Bilingual report: Ambassador Roberto Rodriguez-Hernandez named new Consul of Mexico in Oxnard
Dear Friends and Colleagues The Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard is pleased to welcome Ambassador Roberto Rodriguez-Hernandez as the new Consul of Mexico in Oxnard California. In July 2016, Amb. Rodriguez-Hernandez took office after Consul Berenice Diaz-Ceballos was designated as…
El Centrito Family Learning Centers unveils updated website
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.”…
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…
Aztlan Underground historic reunion one night at Café on A on July 23
OXNARD — Historic reunion of Aztlan Underground with special musica, hip-hop guests. Una noche de cultura, musica para todo el pueblo de Chiques at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at Café on A, 438 S. A St., Oxnard. Click here or…
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…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates National Health Center Week 2016 throughout Ventura County through Aug. 13
VENTURA COUNTY — August 7-13th, Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will host events throughout all 13 of its health centers, in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW)! These events will be part of a national campaign, with the goal of…
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…
Bilingual report: Second Annual K-12 Resource Fair to be held in Oxnard on Aug. 13
OXNARD — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, in collaboration with the Oxnard Police Activities League (PAL), and the Ventura County Public Health, will present the second annual K-12 Resource Fair “Transitions to the Future” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at…