Author: Amigos805.com

Frank X. Moraga is publisher / editor of Amigos805, providing information for and about the vibrant Latino community in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties — "Bringing cultures together by sharing information."

$11 Million State Homekey+ Grant will end homelessness for 30 Families

OXNARD — California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the award of just over $11.7 million from the State’s Homekey+ program to the County of Santa Barbara, in partnership with DignityMoves, to support the development of a new housing community dedicated to families experiencing homelessness. $9,000,000 will fund construction of the village, with $2,000,000 funding wraparound services. DignityMoves has also raised $5,000,000 for construction and will raise an additional $2,000,000 for services.

The new “Family Village” will include 30 units designed specifically to serve families with children, providing a safe, stable environment alongside supportive services aimed at helping residents transition into permanent housing. The Family Village is proposed for development on County-owned land currently used as an overflow parking lot within the County’s Calle Real campus in the eastern Goleta Valley. This project comes at a critical time, as Santa Barbara County has the highest rate of child poverty in California.

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) e-newsletter April 2026

Earlier this month, the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft made history, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them. It was special to follow Pilot Victor Glover among them, as the fourth Cal Poly SLO fellow alumni who studied in our organization’s headquarters home town, and went on to become an astronaut. Like many others, I had the privilege of listening live to the transmissions between the astronauts 252,760 miles from home and the science team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The technology enabling that achievement was extraordinary of course, but what struck me most was not the machinery – it was the communication.

Spirit of Japan Ventura 2026 returns (April 18-19) with authentic Japanese food, culture and family fun

VENTURA — Spirit of Japan Ventura returns for its second year, bringing a vibrant celebration of Japanese food, culture, and community to Ventura County. The two-day outdoor festival will take place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026, welcoming…

REGIONAL EVENTS

PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK WITH THE INDIVIDUAL ORGANIZATIONS REGARDING POSTPONEMENT / CANCELLATION OF EVENTS

Special note: Amigos805 will be on vacation June 1 through 15. We will have limited access to our website so listing may remain posted until June 15.

Moorpark and Ventura Colleges named among Top 200 U.S. Community Colleges eligible for 2027 Aspen Prize

National recognition follows consecutive honors in 2021, 2023, and 2025 Cycles CAMARILLO — Two of Ventura County’s leading institutions, Moorpark College and Ventura College, have once again earned national recognition for their commitment to student success — named among the…

CLU School of Management — Registration closing soon! Secure your spot

10th Annual

EXECUTIVE TALENT MANAGEMENT FORUM

Thursday, September 25, 2025
We’re pleased to share an exciting update. Ixora Aristigueta-Becerra, Vice President of People and Workplace Experience, The SOBRATO Organization, will now deliver the keynote address alongside Dr. Vlad. Vaiman. 

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara July 2025 Newsletter — County Fire Reminds Us to Celebrate 4th of July Safely

View this email online Sign up to receive the monthly County newsletter in English or Spanish. County Fire Reminds Us to Celebrate 4th of July Safely Safe and sane fireworks are permitted only in Santa Maria, Guadalupe, and Lompoc. All…

May 29 — Community Environmental Council (CEC) presenting ‘Transforming Communities: A Conversation on Local Environmental Justice’

View this email in your browser UPCOMING EVENT Environmental Justice Through Grassroots Activism WHEN: Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. WHERE: CEC’s Environmental Hub | 1219 State St., Santa Barbara Join us for a community conversation about…

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Red Flag Warning Dec. 9-11

The National Weather Service is forecasting a dangerous wind event for Ventura County Monday December 9 – Wednesday December 11, and has issued a Red Flag Warning.

Winds are expected to start Monday afternoon, peaking during the early morning hours Tuesday, and tapering off by late Wednesday. The current forecast is calling for sustained winds at 35mph, with a potential for gusts to 60mph.

In addition to wind, very low relative humidity ranging from 5%-7% is anticipated, with no overnight recovery. While the impact of winds will cover most of Ventura County, the current forecast calls for high intensity conditions in Thousand Oaks, Piru and Fillmore.

Bilingual report — Ventura secures an additional $60 million in federal funding for Ventura Water Projects

VENTURA — The City of Ventura has been awarded an additional $60.4 million in federal grant funding under the Department of the Interior’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Program. This new award brings total federal investments in Ventura Water’s projects to $108…

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Mountain Fire update of Nov. 8

The impact of the Mountain Fire on our community has been truly heartbreaking. My heart goes out to everyone affected. As I toured the impacted neighborhoods, I witnessed firsthand the immense loss and devastation that has struck District 2.

I also spent time at the evacuation center today, and in the midst of this tragedy, I was reminded of the extraordinary resilience of our community. We have faced challenges before, and each time, we’ve come together, emerging stronger and more united.

Now, more than ever, many of our neighbors need our support. Below, I’ve included resources for those affected and ways to help if you feel moved to lend a hand. I am deeply grateful to the many first responders, county departments, partner agencies, community groups, and individuals who have shown up to assist in incredible ways during this difficult time. Your generosity and dedication have been a light in the darkness.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here EDC PARTNER NOVEMBER EVENT AND WEBINAR SCHEDULE Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost events and webinars. Plan ahead! Our full partner event schedule is updated at the start of each month.   IN-PERSON EVENT:…

Santa Paula Art Museum — Upcoming Fun at the Cole Creativity Center

Artwork by Cole Creativity Center adult students (clockwise from top left) Jessica Haggard, Robin Briceño, Chelsey Hoslett, and Aaron Benner. “The First Annual Cole Creativity Center Art Show” and Supply Shop Launch Party Saturday, October 26, 2024 • 4 PM to…

The war in Ukraine, living your best life and finding your story are among CSUCI’s OLLI Fall II classes

CAMARILLO — Registration is open for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Fall II session, which includes a memoir writing workshop, the tangled roots of the Russia-Ukraine war, secrets to longevity, six famous assassinations, and much more.…

CSUCI Applications for Fall 2025 open Oct. 1

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will begin accepting applications for its Fall 2025 semester beginning Oct. 1, 2024. The priority application period closes on Dec. 2 and Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Toni DeBoni recommends students submit applications early.…

Congressman Carbajal, California Homeowner, and Local Advocates Celebrate Second Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act With Front Porch Ribbon Cutting Event

SANTA BARBARA — On Monday, August 12, 2024, Congressman Salud Carbajal joined Leah Stokes from Rewiring America, Rincon Plumbing, Community Environmental Council (CEC), and Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) to celebrate the clean electric upgrades at the home of Santa…

In Remembrance of Memorial Day

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Memorial Day honors U.S. military service members who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

In honor of this federal holiday, our office will be closed on Monday, March 27, 2024.

CLU Center for Economics of Social Issues — Watch and Explore ‘Children of Undocumented Immigrants — Separating Myths From Realities’ video

Watch the Highlights of the Conference “Separating Myths From Realities” and Discover the Challenges Undocumented Immigrants Face in California We’re delighted to present the first of our series of short videos bringing attention to the pivotal themes of the recent…

County of Santa Barbara April Newsletter

View this email online Hope Village Ribbon Cutting in Santa Maria The County of Santa Barbara hosted the grand opening of Hope Village, an interim, supportive housing community in Santa Maria, CA. This project provides safe housing for unhoused individuals,…

Bilingual report — March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

Lea en español | Received this from a friend? Subscribe! eNewsletter | March 2024 Last month we celebrated the groundbreaking of Cleaver & Clark Commons – new affordable housing coming to the City of Grover Beach! This development will bring 53 new,…

Bilingual report — Pre-Applications Available Monday for People’s Place in Santa Paula | Pre-Solicitudes disponibles lunes para People’s Place en Santa Paula

People’s Place is a new construction development of 68 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which will serve families and farmworker households earning 30-60% of the area median income. On-site amenities include a community building and kitchen for resident events, a multipurpose room, outdoor courtyards, BBQs, and playgrounds. All residents will have access to free, confidential supportive services.

UCSB — ‘The Current’ — ‘A global study reveals pathways to save threatened sharks, despite rising mortality trends’ and more news, events

View this email online January 18, 2024 Top News A global study reveals pathways to save threatened sharks, despite rising mortality trends Geographic protections and fishing regulations could improve what is currently a bleak outlook for sharks, but new policies…

Celebrate your business during Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2024) is here and this is the perfect time to celebrate your business.

You can reach a Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo audience that this year reported more than 900,000 hits, nearly 145,000 visits and nearly 50,000 unique visitors through Aug.15, 2024.

Contact Frank at frank@amigos805.com for more information.

Nov. 3 — Studio Spotlight: InnoVision Workshop — Nicho-making with Elisa Torres

Explore the art of nicho-making with Elisa Torres, a featured artist in our InnoVision exhibition. In this workshop, you’ll create a nicho, a decorative shadow box rooted in Mexican/Latinx culture, often used to honor loved ones, particularly during Día de los Muertos.

The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Warmest Wishes for the Holiday Season

Dear VCCDC Neighbors and Friends,

As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to extend heartfelt holiday greetings to you. Regardless of the traditions you celebrate, this season is a time to come together, share joy, and express gratitude.

Our community is a tapestry of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and stories, and it’s this rich tapestry that makes this time of year truly special. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or enjoying a peaceful moment of reflection, I hope the holiday season brings you warmth, happiness, and a sense of connection. In a world that often moves too quickly, the holidays offer us an opportunity to pause, appreciate the present, and cherish the moments that matter most.

As we reflect on the past year, let’s also look forward to the promise and possibilities of the coming one. This year VCCDC assisted over 1,500 families and individuals with over 200 becoming new homeowners, preserving their home, or becoming mortgage-ready, as well as developed tools for resiliency and family wealth-building. As we gear up for another year of empowering low- and moderate-income families and individuals through homeownership we ask you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation to VCCDC. Donors like you can make a great contribution to the future of the families who we serve.

May the spirit of kindness and generosity fill your homes and hearts. Let’s embrace the joy of giving, the comfort of togetherness, and the magic that surrounds us during this festive season.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant organization and community. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and endless possibilities.

Warmest regards,

Joseph Gutierrez
Chairman of the Board
VCCDC

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Small Business Saturday

With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday approaching, the 2023 holiday shopping season is about to be underway! Last year an approximate $17.9 billion was spent on independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday according to the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express.

Local small business purchases this holiday season makes a big difference for your neighbors and community. Now is a critical time to encourage friends, family members and local businesses to shop local and join the Small Business Saturday movement!

Oxnard Film Society presents CASSANDRO, a comedy featuring Mexican star Gael Garcia Bernal and other Monday Night Forum Film Series events on Dec. 4, 18

The Oxnard Film Society presents CASSANDRO, a comedy featuring Mexican star Gael Garcia Bernal.

Our Film Series screens (usually) two films each month, on the first and third Mondays at 3:30pm and 6:30pm at Plaza Cinemas in downtown Oxnard. 

We will continue our mission of providing the best of world cinema to the Oxnard and Ventura County community and supporting local filmmakers.

Amigos805 taking Fall break Nov. 1 through 6

Amigos805.com will be taking a short Fall break starting Wednesday, Nov. 1, back Monday, Nov. 6. Wishing you all a wonderful, safe and memorable Dia de Los Muertos celebration this week.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Welcome, Gauchos!’ and more news, events

View this email online September 28, 2023 Top News Welcome, Gauchos! UC Santa Barbara’s annual convocation ceremony welcomes new Gauchos to the campus and serves as the official kickoff to the 2023-2024 academic year.   Read more about convocation What…

SEEAG and Gills Onions’ 4th Annual Double Your Impact Challenge Nets Over $30,000 For Youth Wellness Initiatives

VENTURA — For the fourth year, Gills Onions matched up to $15,000 in donations made to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG)during SEEAG’s annual “Double Your Impact Challenge.” Fundraising efforts during the May campaign raised $15,179 with all proceeds going…

Meet the 2023 Ventura County Teacher of the Year — Debbie Dogancay from Newbury Park High School

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Debbie Dogancay from Newbury Park High School (NPHS) in the Conejo Valley Unified School District is the 2023 Ventura County Teacher of the Year.…

Santa Paula Police Department Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

SANTA PAULA — On April 22, the Santa Paula Police Department (SPPD) will celebrate its centennial anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, SPPD and the City have planned a series of events and projects to highlight the department’s history and milestones.…

Save the Date: Santa Barbara’s Flagship Earth Day Festival Returns to Alameda Park April 29 and 30, 2023

Two-day festival includes the longest running green car show in the U.S. SANTA BARBARA — After a three-year hiatus, Earth Day returns to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 29 from 11am to 7pm  and Sunday, April 30 from 11am to…

Ventura Land Trust Invites Artists to Submit Original Artwork to Celebrate Nature and VLT’s 20th Anniversary

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) invites Ventura County artists to submit 2D artwork to celebrate nature and Ventura Land Trust’s 20th anniversary.

Artists are encouraged to use the circle outline of VLT’s logo as the form for a design inspired by Ventura County’s nature and coast. Artwork can explore a broad range of themes, including protection of open spaces, Indigenous cultural heritage, climate, and how community and nature intersect.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Moves Offices to Westlake Village

— The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) recently moved its administrative and customer service offices to Westlake Village. The move coincides with TWSD’s official transition into an independent water agency. Its new location is at 370 North Westlake Blvd., Suite…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services reports FEE-WAIVED kitten and cat adoptions through Sunday!

Dear Friends, Ventura County Animal Services is holding a 4-day FEE-WAIVED* kitten and cat adoption promotion through Sunday, September 25th at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shetlers.  Promotion available for all adoptable cats.  Please note that promotions do…

Bilingual report — Discover Latino Heritage by Metrolink Train

Southern California is home to millions of people of Latino heritage, many with family roots in California going back centuries. It is no surprise that Latino culture has influenced almost every aspect of life in SoCal, ranging from food and…

10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day Seeks Sponsors

VENTURA — The 10th annual Ventura Farm Day, set for Saturday, November 5, is seeking sponsors. During Farm Day, more than 14 Ventura County farms and agricultural businesses open their doors and invite the public to learn how their food is…

Ventura College Foundation Confers Board Emeriti Status On Ruth Hemming, Ed.D. and Donna Santo, Esquire

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors conferred Board Emeriti status on Ruth Hemming, Ed.D., and Donna Santo, Esquire for their years of leadership and service to thousands of students and alumni of Ventura College. Both served on the…

Bilingual report — Metrolink Offers New Summer Promotions

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — With a Summer of Adventure in mind, Metrolink is introducing a new weekday ticket option, the $15 Summer Pass, in addition to a $10 Holiday Pass. “Memorial Day may be the official start to summer, but it’s…

5th Annual Hot Summer Night Seeks Sponsors

The 5th annual Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night festival, which features over 100 small-batch hot sauce companies from around the world, is seeking sponsors. The event is set for Thursday, July 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Los Robles Golf Course in Thousand Oaks. Its theme is “Bringing People Together.”

Hot Summer Night proceeds benefit the Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans & Assistance Fund and the Old Boney Mountain Foundation For Kids.

Bilingual report — Jan. 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

January 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update Everyone over the age of 12 is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose. Get your COVID-19 booster dose if: • It has been 5+ months since you completed your primary Pfizer series, •…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Rounds 7-9

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here CA SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM ROUNDS 7 – 9 California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced today that…

County of Ventura Assessment Appeals Board Member Recruitment

The County of Ventura is accepting applications for Board Member vacancies on its Assessment Appeals Boards (AAB). The AAB is a quasi-judicial body which hears property tax assessment appeals at a public hearings. The hearing process provides ‘equalization’, or fairness of the assessment of a property’s value of the property in question. Meetings of the Board are held in the City of Ventura and applications must be submitted by September 3, 2021.