Author: Community Contributor

RSVP deadline approaching for El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards

OXNARD — The RSVP deadline is approaching for El Concilio’s Family Services 27th annual Latino Leadership Awards. The winners include Alejandra Castellanos, Amelia Aparicio, Dr. Ana M. Becerra, Erika Arteaga, Jesse Lamas Calvillo, Dr. Kaia Tollefson, Matilde “Mati” Sanchez and…

Action Star Danny Trejo Headlines Rick Najera’s Latino Thought Makers Series at Oxnard College on May 4

OXNARD — Action star Danny Trejo will headline the season finale of Rick Najera’s popular Latino Thought Makers entertainment series live on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 7:00pm at Oxnard College’s 400-seat state-of-the art Performing Arts Center in Oxnard, CA. The series, presented by Oxnard College Institute for Latino Performing Arts,…

Bilingual report: State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson — On César Chávez Day, let us remember his call for economic justice, equality

SACRAMENTO – The life of civil rights leader and labor organizer is celebrated today, on what would have been his 89th birthday. State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement: “As we celebrate what would have been his 89th birthday,…

The UCSB Library’s speaker series presents Carl Gutierrez-Jones on ‘Science Fiction and Creative Self-Destruction’ on April 12

SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Library’s speaker series will present Carl Gutierrez-Jones discussion on “Science Fiction and Creative Self-Destruction” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 at the Pacific View Room, Library, Ocean Side, 8th Floor. A reception will follow the free…

Rick Najera to Host Latino Thought Makers’ All-Star Social Media Panel at Oxnard College on April 13

Social Media Stars & Influencers Vincent Marcus, Ana Flores & David Lopez discuss starting out and rise to Internet fame OXNARD — The Oxnard College Institute for Performing Arts presents the next installment of Latino Thought Makers featuring social media stars and influencers:Vincent Marcus, Ana…

Ventura College celebrates the county with its inaugural ‘Diversity in Culture Festival April 14-16

 Free three-day multicultural festival to showcase cultures through dance, music, film, food, speakers and more  VENTURA — Ventura County is a mosaic of cultures and ethnicities, with residents hailing from around the world. To celebrate the multicultural diversity of the county and…

Community Memorial Health Systems to present ‘Prediabetes / Diabetes Management Seminar & Workshops’ starting April 16

VENTURA — Community Memorial Health Systems to present “Prediabetes / Diabetes Management Seminar & Workshops” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 16 at Community Memorial Hospital, 147 N. Brent St., Ventura, in Nichols Auditorium, 8th Floor. Future workshops to be…

CDA Cares free dental clinic coming to Ventura April 16-17

VENTURA — The California Dental Association Foundation will be hosting a CDA Cares free dental clinic April 16-17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis with a goal of providing care to approximately 2,000…

emPower Joining Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival April 16 & 17

County’s home energy efficiency program invites homeowners to learn about home energy efficiency at festival SANTA BARBARA — emPower Central Coast will offer home energy efficiency tips, provide information on home upgrade programs and hand out 100 free energy-efficient LED lightbulbs at…

CAUSE Action Fund to present Annual Leadership Awards Reception in Santa Barbara on April 17

SANATA BARBARA — The CAUSE Action Fund will present the Annual Leadership Awards Reception from 2 to 4:30 Sunday, April 17 at the Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center, 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara. The event will honor Lifetime Achievement Awards Recipients…

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival 2016 Highlights Announced; Mariachi and Son Jarocho Bands Take the Stage on April 17

SANTA BARBARA – The Community Environmental Council (CEC) hosts the 2016 Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival at Alameda Park on Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CEC’s Santa…

Stanford University Longevity and Aging Expert to Speak at SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning Mind & Supermind, April 18

Professor Walter Bortz, M.D., Scientific Expert on Longevity and Aging to discuss Dare To Be 100: The Plasticity of Human Aging SANTA BARBARA — On April 18, SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning (the CLL) will host “Dare To Be 100: The…

Straight Up Jazz with John Schnackenberg and Cougar Estrada Sax & Keyboard next set for April 19

SANTA BARBARA —Every Third Tuesday of the month, Lovejoy’s Pickle Room presents live jazz. The groovy duo of Cougar Estrada and John Schnackenberg put out some “straight ahead” jazz on keyboards and baritone sax, respectively. They will next perform Lovejoy’s Pickle…

Bilingual commentary: Free Falling Backwards

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…

Next ‘Saturday Sidewalk Session with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’ to be held in Camarillo on April 23

CAMARILLO — The next “Saturday Sidewalk Session with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin” will be held in Camarillo from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23 at the Starbucks Outdoor Patio, 540 Las Posas Road, Camarillo. “Join Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin for coffee…

SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning to Host Ninth Annual Nonviolent Communication Conference April 8-10

NVC Conference: An Introduction held on April 8; NVC Conference held on April 9 and 10 SANTA BARBARA — The SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning (the CLL) is offering a workshop of special interest to Santa Barbara’s unique nonprofit and philanthropic…

Ventura County Public Works Agency, Supervisor Zaragoza Tours New Juvenile Justice Center Solar Project

VENTURA COUNTY — Supervisor John C. Zaragoza joined the Ventura County General Services Agency (GSA) and Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) to tour the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) Solar Project on March 9. The project, which began construction in October…

Women’s Economic Ventures Guides Spanish-Speaking Entrepreneurs toward Small Business Success

For many in the Latino community, owning a small business is part of the American dream. Becoming an entrepreneur signifies economic stability and opportunity. Yet regardless of ethnic background, the challenges to owning a business are many and the risk…

Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions Educators to hold annual conference at CSU Channel Islands

CAMARILLO — The 8th Annual Best Practices Conference of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions Educators (AHSIE) will be held March 20-23 at CSU Channel Islands (CI). Hosted and co-sponsored by CI and three systems of higher education in California, the event will draw…

Deja Que Women’s Economic Ventures Ilumine el Camino Hacia el Éxito de tu Pequeño Negocio

¿Sueñas con abrir o mejorar tu propio pequeño negocio? Para muchos en la comunidad Latina, tener un pequeño negocio es parte del Sueño Americano. Ser emprendedor(a) nos significa estabilidad económica y la posibilidad de abrir puertas a oportunidades antes consideradas…

CenCal Health Receives Community Partners in Excellence Award, Additional Recognition from California Assembly and Senate

SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) presented CenCal Health with the “2016 Community Partners in Excellence Award” on March 8 during PHorum: Perspectives in Healthcare, a healthcare symposium hosted annually by VNHC. That same evening, CenCal Health…

Bilingual commentary: The Mysteries of Spring and Easter

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 Gary Simpson as New Board Member

SANTA BARBARA— Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) welcomes Gary Simpson to the Board of Directors. Simpson brings his experience in running local businesses, his United States Coast Guard service and involvement with other nonprofit organizations to the foundation. Simpson attended…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Seeks Community Partners for STEM Fridays Program

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold, is formally launching a STEM Fridays program for kindergarten through fifth grade girls that will introduce them to STEM-related activities with hopes…

CSU Trustees Appoint Erika D. Beck as President of CSU Channel Islands

CAMARILLO — The California State University Board of Trustees has appointed Erika D. Beck, Ph.D., as president of California State University Channel Islands. Beck currently serves as the provost and executive vice president of Nevada State College (NSC) in Henderson, Nevada.…

Lompoc Family YMCA Exceeds Annual Campaign Goal

LOMPOC — The Lompoc Family YMCA concluded its 2016 Annual Campaign with a Victory Celebration on March 3 at Sage Restaurant. The Victory Event, attended by more than 65 volunteers and staff, showcased the YMCA surpassing its Annual Campaign goal…

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Welcomes Maureen Masson as New Board Member

SANTA BARBARA — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) welcomes Maureen Masson to the Board of Directors. Masson brings her former experience in the United States Air National Guard to the foundation. Masson, also known as Mo, worked as a registered nurse…

Bilingual commentary: Born Again

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…

Sponsor the upcoming Girls in STEM/STEAM Hackathon at Cal State Channel Islands!

CAMARILLO — In honor of Earth Month, SOCIHACKS™ is partnering with the Small Business Institute of California State University Channel Islands on Saturday, April 2, 2016 to provide an interactive hackathon where 100 young girls (ages 9-12) from low income…

Women’s Economic Ventures Graduates Step into Success with WEV Spanish Self-Employment Training Program

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recently celebrated the accomplishments of ten men and women graduating from the WEV’s Basic Spanish Self-Employment Training program. Students in the four week course explored the risks and benefits of starting a business and important characteristics…

Local PODS Moving & Storage Donates to American Red Cross of Ventura County in Preparation for El Nino Storm

VENTURA COUNTY — Local PODS moving and storage is helping the American Red Cross of Ventura County prepare for the upcoming El Nino storm by donating the use of its PODS containers. The American Red Cross of Ventura County is…

La Celestina, una cantata mediterránea el 20 de marzo

OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas inicia su Ciclo de Teatro del Atril 2016 con la tragicomedia clásica de Fernando de Rojas “La Celestina” en una versión de cantata mediterránea de Costa Palamides, quien dirigirá este montaje, para Teatro de las…

Find Your Lucky Charm at the Santa Barbara Humane Society: Special St. Patrick’s Day Pet Adoption Fee $17 from March 14-17

SANTA BARBARA – This St. PAWtrick’s Day, to find your lucky charm look no further than Santa Barbara Humane Society. From March 14th-17th, Santa Barbara Humane Society will offer a special adoption fee of $17, just in time to bring you…

Guest commentary: Where is the Bold Leadership? or How They Came to Love Save and Cushy Jobs

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 Frank P. Barajas / Guest contributor…

Bilingual commentary: The Facebook Photo

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…

Braille Institute Santa Barbara Hosts Active Aging with Low Vision Community Education Event

SANTA BARBARA — Recently, Braille Institute Santa Barbara hosted Active Aging with Low Vision: Focus on Cooking and Nutrition, a free community education event highlighting ways that people can stay safe in the kitchen as their vision changes. This event…

Graduados de Women’s Economic Ventures Toman un Paso Hacia el Éxito con el Curso de Capacitación Empresarial de WEV en Español

Hay un dicho que dice “un viaje de mil millas, empieza con un solo paso”. El miércoles, 24 de febrero, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) celebró los primeros pasos tomados por 10 mujeres y hombres que se graduaron del curso Básico…

Popular Summer “Critter Camp” Sessions Provide Young Animal Lovers a Creative Approach to Learn Responsibility and Kindness. Registration opens April 1

Children ages 9 to 11 learn animal care, crafts and many other activities SANTA BARBARA – Santa Barbara Humane Society presents “Critter Camp” summer day camps for children 9 to 11 years old who love animals and want to learn more…

Student Teams Visit Santa Barbara for Affordable Housing Design National Competition

SANTA BARBARA — Now in its third year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Innovation in Affordable Housing Student Design and Planning Competition seeks to encourage research and innovation in the areas of affordable housing design and…

Righetti High School Marimba Band & Ballet Folklórico to present its 39th annual “Big Show” performance on March 18, 19 in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA — The Righetti High School Marimba Band & Ballet Folklórico will present its 39th annual “Big Show” performance at 7: 30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19 at Santa María High School’s Ethel Pope Auditorium, 901 S. Broadway, Santa…

Water Wise Tips from the Master Gardeners on March 22

CAMARILLO —  Please join us as local experts share their passion for gardening and landscaping with an eye toward being water wise, an especially important focus with California in the midst of a historic drought. “We have had the Master Gardeners…

Author/engineer presents new sustainable water solutions

VENTURA — California’s recurring drought problem can be solved permanently by new sustainable water solutions, according to prominent civil engineer Mohammed A. Hasan. Speaking at the University Club of Ventura, Hasan, who has 41 years of experience dealing with water issues,…

Poet, orator and education Enedina Castañeda to present readings from 2nd issue of Spanish literary journal at Café on A on March 30

OXNARD — Poet, orator and education Enedina Castañeda to present readings from 2nd issue of Spanish literary journal “Mi comunida y yo: Una relación dana y just a — My Community and I: A Relationship Towards Health and Justice,” from…

Dominga Cepeda Ceja, Maricela Morales among women honored by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson at ceremony in Santa Barbara, Oxnard

SANTA BARBARA and OXNARD – To commemorate Women’s History Month, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) will honor eight women from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as her 19th Senate District’s 2016 ‘Women of the Year’ in two separate ceremonies held in Santa Barbara…

Share Your Bounty: Help the Foodbank Distribute 225,000 Pounds of Produce by April 1

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — It’s peak citrus season in Santa Barbara and that means there’s lots of excess healthy — and  delicious — fruit to harvest and distribute to those in need. Backyard Bounty, a volunteer program of the Foodbank of…

Ocean View Pavilion to present ‘Boxing by the Beach’ on April 2

PORT HUENEME — The Ocean View Pavilion will present “Boxing by the Beach” featuring Francisco Santana vs Ed Paredes on April 2. Boxing By The Beach is presented by Top Rank, in association with Bash Boxing at theOceanview Pavilion in Port Heneme. Tickets start at $40 for Theatre…

Bilingual commentary: Falls from Grace

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes…

Ventura County Democratic Central Committee vote to support Carla Castilla in the race to replace retiring 3rd District Supervisor Kathy Long

Castilla also earns endorsements from Channel Islands College Democrats, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 46 Editor’s note: It is the policy of Amigos805 not to endorse any political candidates running for office in the 805 region. Political candidates do…

Celebrando la inauguración de las obras del maestro oaxaqueño Francisco Toledo

  Editor’s Note: The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard celebrated the opening of an exhibit featuring the works of Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo on Feb. 19. The exhibit room was filled with guests from throughout California including Santa Maria, Lompoc, Oxnard…

CenCal Health Partners with Community Action Commission of SB County and Senior Nutrition Program of SLO County to Bolster Meal Delivery Service for Seniors

SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – CenCal Health is partnering with the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County (CAC) and the Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo County to support their meal delivery services for seniors. On Jan.…

Ventura County Public Works Agency receives $7 million grant toward Moorpark Desalter Project

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Department of Water and Sanitation received a $7 million proposition 84 grant from the State Department of Water Resources through the Watershed Coalition of Ventura County for its Moorpark Desalter Project.…

Bilingual commentary: Girl Scout Cookies — The Controversy

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes…

Ventura County Community Development Corporation Provee Taller Sobre Las Ventas de Casa Hecha Por Proprietarios el 15 de marzo

VENTURA COUNTY — La mayoría de nosotros hemos visto los letreros que dicen “For Sale By Owner” o “Venta por el Propietario” enfrente de algunas casas en nuestro vecindario, pero en que consiste una “Venta por el Propietario” y es…

UCSB to present expert mediator ‘Kenneth R. Feinberg on March 16

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB to present “Kenneth R. Feinberg  Unconventional Responses to Unique Catastrophes: Tailoring the Law to Meet the Challenges” at 7;30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 at The New Vic.   Expert mediator Feinberg is renowned for wisely allocating compensation…

Mental Wellness Center Awarded National Three-Year CARF Accreditation

SANTA BARBARA — The Mental Wellness Center, a local nonprofit that provides services to adults and families affected by mental illness, has been awarded a three-year accreditation by the International Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). “We are thrilled to…

Santa Barbara Family YMCA Youth & Government Delegates Experience Democratic Process First Hand in Sacramento

SANTA BARBARA — The Channel Islands YMCA Youth & Government delegation joined more than 3,500 youth from throughout California for the 68th Model Legislature & Court held Feb. 11-15 at the Sacramento Convention Center and State Capitol. Part of the…

Bilingual commentary: The Ominous Rise of Trump

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…

Dads and Daughters Dance Night Away at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA’s Cinderella’s Ball

SANTA YNEZ – Approximately 500 dads and daughters of all ages bonded during an evening of dancing, games and prizes at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA’s Cinderella’s Ball themed father-daughter dance. The dance took place over two nights inside the Stuart…

Centerpoint Mall Offers Sweetheart Shopping And Dining Spots For Valentine’s Day

OXNARD — Centerpoint Mall has many sweetheart spots to shop and dine at the more than 49 retail, specialty, entertainment and restaurants ranging from apparel and jewelry to perfumes and gift cards, among others. According to the National Retail Federation…

Santa Barbara Family YMCA Kicks Off 2016 Annual Campaign with Kentucky Derby-Themed Soirée

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Family YMCA launched its Annual Campaign on Saturday with a Kentucky Derby-themed soirée. Approximately 300 people attended to kick off the YMCA’s fundraising efforts with dinner, drinks and dancing. The Santa Barbara Family YMCA…

Consortium Media welcomes Briana Frank, Melina Esparza to brand development agency

VENTURA — Consortium Media, an award-winning brand development agency for local, regional and nationally-recognized businesses, non-profits and government agencies, announces the addition of two new employees to its dynamic team. Multimedia Specialist Briana Frank’s scope of responsibilities includes project management,…

FOOD Share revels in community spirit, celebrates end of most successful Tackle Hunger campaign to date

VENTURA COUNTY — FOOD Share, Ventura County’s food bank and distribution network, scored a huge win for its annual Tackle Hunger campaign. The 2015-2016 campaign, which ran from October 2015 until Super Bowl Sunday, finished big by replenishing its warehouse…

Youth and Family Services YMCA Welcomes Carolyn Williams to the Board of Managers

The Youth and Family Services YMCA is proud to announce the election of Carolyn Williams to its Board of Managers. Wherever Williams has lived, her volunteer focus has been on philanthropic organizations that support children, education, community social service issues,…

49 Oxnard High School students participate in National Groundhog Job Shadow Day Event

Congresswoman Julia Brownley phones in from Washington, D.C. OXNARD — A total of 18 businesses in the Esplanade financial area of Oxnard hosted 49 Oxnard High School sophomore academy students for a Job Shadow day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The…

Food Processing Holds Opportunities for Ventura County: Newly released feasibility study highlights how the county’s agricultural sector can grow

VENTURA COUNTY — Food processing in Ventura County is currently estimated to support about 1,480 jobs. That number could jump to between 2,680 and 5,450 new jobs, with relatively small-scale development, according to the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s new feasibility…

Senior Health Professionals Learn About Aging in Place with Vision Loss

SANTA BARBARA — Recently, healthcare providers and professional caregivers in Santa Barbara County gathered at Braille Institute Santa Barbara for a Distinguished Speaker Breakfast: Aging in Place with Vision Loss. Breakfast presenters Jon K. Hayashida, O.D., FAAO, Braille Institute Clinical…

Santa Barbara Family YMCA Youth & Government Delegates Return from Conference in Fresno, Prepare for State Conference

The Channel Islands YMCA Youth & Government Alliance joined more than 3,500 youth from across the state in Fresno this weekend for a Training & Elections conference held Jan. 16-18 at the Fresno Convention Center. More than 70 teens with…

Classical Piano Concert in Santa Paula on Feb. 13

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Concert Series has been revived and will have its fourth concert of the new series, “Music for a Romantic Night: Classical Piano Music with Geno Palilla,” on Saturday, February 13th at 7:00 PM at…

Bilingual commentary: The Spring 2016 Oxnard College Literature, Arts & Lecture Series

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes In an unexpected corner of Ventura County, we have access to an impressive array of educational, musical, literary, artistic, historical, poetic and theatrical presentations for our community—free of charge. That former “diamond in the rough”…

HSB and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Partner for Student Bereavement

SANTA YNEZ — Hospice of Santa Barbara is partnering with Santa Ynez Valley Union High School to provide group and individual bereavement counseling free of charge to students on campus during school hours. Through this new partnership, school counselors will…

SCORE Hispanic Program to present ‘Risks of Not Incorporating a Restaurant’ presentation on Feb. 25

OXNARD — SCORE will present the free workshop “Risks of Not Incorporating a Restaurant,” in SPANISH Only, at 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 at the Oxnard Heritage Cultural Center, 141 W. Fifth St., Suite E, Oxnard. Call Carlos Delgado at 805-816-7387…

Acuna Art Gallery at the Café on A in Oxnard to present opening reception for artist ‘George Yepes y Amigos’ on Feb. 12

OXNARD — The Acuna Art Gallery at the Café on A in Oxnard will present the opening reception for artist “George Yepes y Amigos: from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 at 438 S. A St., Oxnard The exhibit will…

Ventura County Public Works Agency begins the year with two new accolades

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) Water and Sanitation Department has received two new honors for recent projects. On Thursday, Feb. 25, the Santa Barbara/Ventura Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will honor…

Property Tax Workshop Hosted by VCCDC with Guest Speaker Steven Hintz set for Feb.18

VENTURA COUNTY — For many homeowners, their property tax bill is the second largest expense of owning a home after mortgage interest but not all homeowners understand their property taxes. Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) hopes to bring clarity…

Bilingual report: Exhibit by Mexican artist Francisco Toledo to be held in Oxnard on Feb.19

OXNARD — An exhibit by world famous Mexican artist Francisco Toledo will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 at the Mexican Consulate, 3151 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. The exhibit has been touring the globe over the past year. The event…

Bilingual report: Latino Thought Makers Series at Oxnard College to present ‘Conversation with Stars in Hollywood’ featuring Josefina Lopez (Real Women Have Curves), Luis Guzman (Code Black) on March 10

OXNARD — Oxnard College Institute for Latino Performing Arts proudly presents the next installment of the Latino Thought Makers series featuring nationally acclaimed writer, Josefina Lopez and multi-award winning actor, Luis Guzman.  The series, led by writer-director-comedian, Rick Najera will take place on Thursday, March 10th at Oxnard College’s Performing Arts Center…

¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Las Colibri, Mariachi Femenil on March 11, 12 and 13

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Las Colibri, Mariachi Femenil in a series of free concerts March 11, 12 and 13 in Santa Barbara County. FREE concert / Entrada gratuita Friday, March 11 / Sábado, 12…

Las Contemporáneas of the Museum of Ventura County to present the 2nd annual Latina Film Festival on March 12, 13 in Ventura

VENTURA — Las Contemporáneas of the Museum of Ventura County proudly present the 2nd Annual Latina Film Festival. Come celebrate Latinas in film and help us pay special tribute to award-winning Actor/Writer/Producer, Evelina Fernández. March 12 & 13, 2016 The Latina…

Channel Islands YMCA Welcomes Dr. Jeff Schloss as Guest Speaker for Annual Good Friday Breakfast on March 25

SANTA BARBARA — The Channel Islands YMCA Association is pleased to welcome Dr. Jeff Schloss as the guest speaker for its 39th Annual Good Friday Breakfast. The breakfast, themed Keeping Hope Alive, will take place Friday, March 25 at the…

Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. hosting dental health fair on Feb. 27 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…

Special Olympics Santa Barbara Hosts 2nd Annual Polar Plunge Fundraiser on Feb. 27

SANTA BARBARA — Are you “freezin’ for a reason?” Special Olympics Southern California-Santa Barbara Region invites the community to participate in the coolest fundraiser of the year: its 2nd Annual Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 27. Companies, school groups, community…

SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning Presents Mind & Supermind Lecture on Monday, February 29th

SANTA BARBARA — On February 29th, SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning (the CLL) welcomes director and chief instructor of the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi clinical and acupuncture specialist, Dr. Roger Jahnke, OMD. In his Mind & Supermind lecture,…

Danish String Quartet to perform at UCSB on March 1

SANTA BARBARA — The Danish String Quartet will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1 at UCSB’s Campbell Hall. One of the hottest string quartets right now, the Danish returns for a consecutive season, following its thrilling 2014 Santa Barbara debut.…

Sebastião Salgado at the Arlington Theatre on March 2

SANTA BARBARA — “Sebastião Salgado — In Conversation with Pico Iyer” will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara.  The subject of the Academy Award-nominated documentary film The Salt of the Earth, Brazilian-born Sebastião…

UCSB to present ‘Sarah Koenig & Julie Snyder — Binge-Worthy Journalism: Backstage with the Creators of Serial’ on March 3

SANTA BARBARA – UCSB to present ‘Sarah Koenig & Julie Snyder — Binge-Worthy Journalism: Backstage with the Creators of Serial’ on March 3 Co-created by veteran radio journalists and producers Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder, Serial launched in the fall of…

Ventura County Public Works Agency, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy host ribbon cutting ceremony for completion of Happy Valley Bioswale Project on March 4

VENTURA COUTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Watershed Protection District (VCPWA WPD) and Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the completion of the Happy Valley Bioswale Project on Friday, March…

YMCA and Special Olympics Team Up to Spread the Word to End the R-Word day of awareness on March 5

MONTECITO — On Saturday, March 5th, the Montecito Family YMCA and Special Olympics Santa Barbara invite the public to attend the Spread the Word to End the Word day of awareness in support of the Special Olympics R-Word Campaign. From…

REI at The Collection at RiverPark invites little tykes to learn to ride bikes at its How to Ride a Bike event on March 6

OXNARD — REI, the specialty outdoor retailer, located at The Collection at RiverPark, will introduce its How to Ride a Bike class series to the Oxnard shopping center. Kicking off Sunday, March 6, from 9 – 11 a.m., the monthly…

UCSB to present National Geographic Live wildlife photographer Steve Winter on March 6

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB to present National Geographic Live wildlife photographer Steve Winter at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at Campbell Hall. Go around the world in search of big cats with award-winning photographer Steve Winter. A determined explorer, Winter will…

UCSB to present ‘Taylor Mac — A 24-Decade History of Popular Music: 1916-1936’ on March 8

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB to present ‘Taylor Mac  — A 24-Decade History of Popular Music: 1916-1936″ at 8 p.m. Tuesday,  March 8 at Campbell Hall. Get ready for an evening of glittering musical time travel. Equal parts bedazzled shaman, searing…

Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Locuras en Wichita’ on March 11 and 12 at Oxnard College

OXNARD — The 2016 season begins when Teatro de las Américas and Oxnard College present Lina Gallegos’s comedy, WILD IN WICHITA, directed by Denise Blasor. Don’t miss this charming play. An elegant Puerto Rican woman and an irreverent Mexican man fall in love when they meet at…

Ventura College to Host Open House Extravaganza Open to the Community on March 12

Event features department presentations, financial aid application workshops, free lunch, and more VENTURA —Ventura College will hold an open house available to all those interested in learning more about the college and its programs and services, as well as those who would like…

Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band will present a free community concert at the Oceanview Pavilion’s Performing Arts Theatre by the Beach on March 12

PORT HUENEME — The Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band will present a free concert in Oceanview Pavilion’s Performing Arts Theatre by the Beach located at 575 E. Surfside Drive Port Hueneme, CA Saturday March 12. The concert…

CSU Channel Islands professor helps create ‘Latinos and Baseball’ exhibit at the Smithsonian

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) Professor of Chicana/o Studies Jose Alamillo, Ph.D., helped launch an exhibit for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called “Latinos and Baseball: In the Barrios and the Big Leagues.” Alamillo and other scholars from across…

UCSB to present ‘Juan Felipe Herrera — An Evening with the 2015-16 United States Poet Laureate’ on Feb. 1

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures will present ‘Juan Felipe Herrera  An Evening with the 2015-16 United States Poet Laureate’ at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1 at UCSB’s Campbell Hall. U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera is the first Latino…

Local NAMI Chapter Offering ‘Family-to-Family’ Educational Course for Family Members of Adults Living with Mental Illness

SANTA BARBARA — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Santa Barbara County is inviting family members of adults living with serious mental health conditions to register for its upcoming “Family-to-Family” education program. The free, 12-session course is designed…

Ventura College named one of top 150 in the nation

VENTURA — Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees, along with Chancellor Bernard Luskin congratulate Ventura College President Greg Gillespie. The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program this week named Ventura College one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges eligible to…

Boys & Girls Club members proudly display National Fine Arts pieces at Carnegie Art Museum Feb. 5-7

OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme invites the community to its annual National Fine Arts Exhibit Feb. 5-7 at the Carnegie Art Museum, 424 South C Street, Oxnard. The private Club reception and…

Las Contemporaneas of the Museum of Ventura County to present ‘Luminarias’ film screening fundraiser on Feb. 6

VENTURA —  Las Contemporaneas of the Museum of Ventura County will present the film screening of “Luminarias,” a fundraiser to support the second annual Latina Film Festival, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave.,…

Reserve tickets for ‘El Bracero — A Mariachi Opera’ return performance at Oxnard College on Feb. 6

OXNARD — Back by popular demand!! “El Bracero — A Mariachi Opera,” will return at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. El Bracero is a dynamic one-act “Mariachi Opera”…

Money in the pockets of working Californians

By Hannah-Beth Jackson Last year, California created the state’s first-ever Earned Income Tax Credit. This tax credit, which I supported, will put money back into the pockets of California’s low income working families to help pay for groceries, catch up…

CSU Channel Islands’ Student Affairs division earns national award for excellent diversity, staffing practices and work environment

CAMARILLO — Excellent diversity, staffing practices and work environment are among the reasons CSU Channel Islands (CI)’s Division of Student Affairs has won a designation as one of the “Most Promising Places to Work in Student  Affairs” for a second year in a…

Bilingual commentary: Equal Opportunity in Creation

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes Some of us in our Western culture turn to the Bible to teach us something about the nature of ourselves as human beings, about our origins and early history. Others of us who are less…

Oxnard College Presents CBS Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase PLUS  Lalo Alcaraz from Fox’s New Animated Comedy, Bordertown LIVE, Feb. 3

Writer-Director-Comedian Rick Najera Blends Hollywood Comedy Sketch Show with Local Performers at Oxnard College Performing Arts Center as Part of Growing Latino Thought Makers Series OXNARD —  Oxnard College Institute for Latino Performing Arts presents the much-anticipated CBS Diversity Sketch…

The Collection at RiverPark expands fashion empire adding Victoria’s Secret to its growing retail roster

OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard’s premier retail, dining and entertainment destination, announced this week that Victoria’s Secret will join its budding line-up of fashion retailers this summer. Victoria’s Secret is the largest retailer of women’s lingerie and other…

‘An Evening with 2015 Women’s World Cup Champion Carli Lloyd’ to be held at Arlington Theatre on Jan. 26

SANTA BARBARA — “An Evening with 2015 Women’s World Cup Champion Carli Lloyd’ to be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara. “Carli Lloyd isn’t just on a roll. She has morphed into a…

UCSB to present ‘Culture Clash Muse & Morros: True Stories – Real People’ on Jan. 27

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures will present ‘Culture Clash  Muse & Morros: True Stories – Real People’ at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27 at UCSB’s Campbell Hall. For 30 years, Culture Clash has scoured the nation searching for the…

Bilingual commentary: The Stars and Planets at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes With so many children admiring celebrities these days and questionably holding them up as role models, it was refreshing this past Friday to attend McAuliffe Elementary School’s (Oxnard School District) annual “Astronomy Night.” The school…

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Announces Rosanna Dellegrotti MSN, RN as Quality, Compliance & Education Director

SANTA BARBARA – Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) welcomes Rosanna Dellegrotti MSN, RN, as new Director of Quality, Compliance & Education. Ms. Dellegrotti has more than 35 years of nursing experience; 22 years being in critical care and has held…

Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care Welcomes Kyrie Belme as Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator

SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care(VNHC) is pleased to announce Kyrie Belme as Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator. Belme brings experience working with local nonprofits and a flair for creativity. As Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator, Belme will assist…

Girls Inc. Carpinteria Launches Literacy Initiative to Prepare Students for Academic Success

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is kicking off the New Year with the implementation of a new after-school reading and literacy program at Carpinteria Unified School District school sites and on the Girls Inc. Carpinteria campus. The Literacy Initiative is…

Bilingual commentary: The Power of Parents

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor We parents may not be aware of the power we possess to literally make or break the lives of our children. Teachers likewise exert enormous power over the lives of their students. As parents and teachers, we…

“Remembering Our Fallen” Traveling Portrait Exhibition on Display throughout Santa Barbara County

Deeply moving memorial exhibition features 721 photo portraits of California’s fallen SANTA BARBARA — The community is invited to the “Remembering Our Fallen” memorial exhibition that is on display in Santa Barbara County during the month of January. The deeply moving…

Guest commentary: Adelante… into the New Year with Café on A

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 contributor It is…

The Collection at RiverPark announces Stefanie Muegel, Jill Almonia as new marketing team

OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard’s premier fashion retail, dining and entertainment destination, recently announced Stefanie Muegel as the center’s Marketing Manager, and Jill Almonia as the Marketing and Business Development Coordinator. At The Collection, a CenterCal Properties, LLC…

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Welcomes Scott Gordon as Annual Giving Coordinator

SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) is pleased to announce the addition of Scott Gordon as Annual Giving Coordinator. Gordon brings years of experience working in various professions including development, software and management, along with a background…

Bilingual commentary: What Is A Secular Catholic?

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor In the Jewish American community, many within the group quite proudly and nonchalantly refer to themselves as “secular Jews.” Within the U.S. Latino community, on the other hand, many are secular Catholics, but they don’t go around…

emPower Hosts Free Energy Efficient Furnace Workshop in Santa Maria on Jan. 19

Jan. 19 workshop to be held at Veterans Memorial Building SANTA MARIA — With Santa Barbara County now firmly in winter, emPower Central Coast will be offering advice and information on selecting a new high-efficiency furnace during a free, Jan. 19 workshop.  …

Guest commentary: Justice in the New Year

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 Rodolfo F. Acuña / Guest contributor At…

¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano in free family concerts in Goleta, Gudalupe, Santa Barbara and Isla Vista from Jan. 8 through 10

¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! will present Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano in free family concerts in Goleta, Gudalupe, Santa Barbara and Isla Vista. The Grammy-winning ensemble performs music from latest recording, Tradición, Arte y Pasión, as well…

Classes start Jan. 11 for English as a Second Language Basic English course at Oxnard College

OXNARD — Classes start for English as a Second Language Basic English course at Oxnard College. Free books available. Classes include: ESL R046 — English Conversation 4; ESL R065 — Prep for Academic Reading & Writing; ESL R056 — Reading Skills…