CAMARILLO — Tracy Perez has been selected as chair of the Ventura County Civic Alliance Executive Committee, the organization reported Tuesday in a media release. Perez is a lifelong resident of Ventura County, born and raised in Oxnard. She brings more…
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."
Bilingual commentary: Dante’s View: A hellish beauty
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 One…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present Cup of Culture film screening of ‘Who is Dayani Cristal?’ on Jan. 21
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center to present Cup of Culture film screening of ‘Who is Dayani Cristal?’ at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the MCC Theater. Following a team of dedicated staff from the Pima County Morgue in…
Guest commentary: Paris is the ‘Capital of the 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. By Rodolfo F. Acuña / Guest contributor An…
Women’s Economic Ventures to hold free Spanish-language Self-Employment Training orientation sessions in Ventura County on Jan. 17, 20 and 27
VENTURA COUNTY— Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Women’s Business Center is holding free informational orientation sessions in Ventura County to help you determine your readiness for one of WEV’s business courses, the organization reported in a media release. Orientation is required…
Bilingual commentary: The new age of marketing
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 Much…
Guest commentary: Report Card
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. Should Latinos get a pass…
Comedian Cristela Alonzo to perform in Oxnard on Jan. 16
OXNARD — Comedian Cristela Alonzo, star of ABC’s “Cristela” sitcom, will appear at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Oxnard PACC…
Undefeated Saul Rodriguez added to TV portion of ‘Boxing by the Beach’ at Oceanview Pavilion on Jan. 17
PORT HUENEME — Undefeated Saul “Kid Dinamita” Rodriguez has been added to the TV portion of ‘Boxing by the Beach’ on Ja. 17 at Oceanview Pavilion, 575 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme, the Pavilion reported in a media release. The prized undefeated prospect…
Contributing to a successful new year
Wishing loyal Amigos805 readers a very Happy Holiday Season and a Very Safe and Prosperous New Year. The new year often brings changes so we are pleased to introduce a couple of options that will make it easier for our…
Friends of Ben Saiz establish Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation
VENTURA — Friends of Ben Saiz have established the Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation, organizers reported in a media release. Please help us with a tax-deductible donation, or please forward to anyone who may be interested in…
Bilingual report: emPower hosts Spanish language home energy workshop on Jan. 12 in Oxnard
OXNARD — emPower Ventura County invites local Spanish speaking homeowners to learn how emPower can help them access easy and affordable home energy upgrades during a free dinner workshop from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 at the Oxnard Public Library, Salon B,…
Mariachi Flor de Toloache to perform at La Fonda De Rey in Oxnard on Jan. 13
OXNARD — Mariachi Flor de Toloache will hold a special performance at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 at La Fonda De Rey, 455 S. A St., Oxnard. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. CDs, t-shirts and other collectables…
Bilingual report: The Wellness Center / El Centro de Bienestar in Oxnard to launch Latino Indiginous Program in Spanish starting Jan. 13
OXNARD — The Wellness Center / El Centro de Bienestar in Oxnard will launch a Latino Indiginous Program in Spanish from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting Jan. 13 at 2697 Saviers Road in the Centerpoint Mall, Oxnard.…
Forum on ‘California Crossroads Tour: Taking Back our Health and Communities’ to be held Jan. 14 in Oxnard
OXNARD – “When Governor Jerry Brown began his historic fourth term this month, he vowed to position California as a leader in the fight against climate change, in part by moving the state to 50 percent renewable energy by 2030.…
January cover story: Hunger in the 805 region — an ongoing concern
Food drives during the holidays help, but don’t solve daily issue for those in need By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It was a bountiful gathering, nearly 200,000 pounds of food collected during the weekend of Dec. 5-7 to provide…
Commentary: Legislators tout bill successes, announce new laws in 2015
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The holiday season is over as the public readies for the challenges and opportunities to come in 2015. They include a slew of new laws enacted on Jan. 1. State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson in late December…
Bilingual commentary: Immigration — Our grand national dilemma
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 Yes,…
Local News
CAMARILLO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County is celebrating January’s National Mentoring Month with a new Match Story each week, highlighting four successful mentoring relationships in Ventura County. The first match story features Micah Garside-White, who was 12…
Finance: How senior donors can avoid scams
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Con artists masquerading as charities can victimize anyone, but seniors are especially vulnerable to such criminals. Men and women who perpetrate charitable fraud often target older men and women, feeling that seniors are more likely…
Local business information
> State Treasurer John Chiang to be keynote speaker at Economic Development Collaborative — Ventura County annual meeting from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Spanish Hills Country Club, 999 Crestview Ave., Camarillo. Chiang will talk about…
Health: Immunizations important for adults, too
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) New parents can easily become overwhelmed by the number of pediatrician visits their children need. By the time a child celebrates his or her fifth birthday, he or she has seemingly been administered dozens of…
Local health information
> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of January in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-01 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Mariachi Flor de Toloache Jan. 9 through 11
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! will present Mariachi Flor de Toloache at 7 p.m. Friday at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road; at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St.; and at…
Bilingual commentary: Walking in front of cars
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 I…
Armando Durón to discuss the art of Gilbert ‘Magu’ Lujan at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula on Jan. 8
SANTA PAULA — Chicano art collector and expert Armando Durón will discuss his relationship with the late artist Gilbert “Magu” Lujan over the course of several decades, as well as interpreting the artwork of Magu currently on view from the…
Director Jesus Trevino to present film screening at Santa Paula Art Museum on Jan. 8
SANTA PAULA — Award-winning film and television director Jesus Trevino will present a film screening of “Talkin’ Bout My Generation” at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula. Trevino will…
VCCCD Board to confirm Luis Pablo Sanchez as Moorpark College president
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees will consider action to confirm Luis Pablo Sanchez, JD, LLM, as President of Moorpark College at its public meeting on Jan. 20, district officials reported Tuesday, Dec. 23 in…
Guest commentary: The Si Se Puede Bucket List ‘2015’
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 LOVE LIFE:…
Letter from Supervisor Zaragoza
As the year 2014 comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude; I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve the residents and businesses of the Fifth District as your representative on the County Board of Supervisors.…
Bilingual commentary: Our Star in the East
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 I…
Latin Legends War, Tierra and Malo to perform in Oxnard on Dec. 27
OXNARD — Latin legends War, Tierra and Malo will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, $33 to $83, are available at http://oxnardpacc.com, by…
Extraordinary service at El Centrito wins Ventura County mother prestigious volunteer award
OXNARD — Maria Teresa Torres, a parent and volunteer, has received The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation’s prestigious Halo Award for her outstanding service with El Centrito Family Learning Centers, the organization reported this week in a media release. For her work training parents…
Guest commentary: Mexico — U.S. San Ysidro Border
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 began…
Women’s Economic Ventures honors Spanish Self-Employment Training fall graduates
Next orientation begins Jan. 6 SANTA BARBARA — A ceremony was recently held in honor of 12 new local entrepreneurs who graduated from the Spanish Self-Employment Training Course offered by Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) Women’s Business Center, the organization reported…
Bilingual commentary: Mexican Jewish Roots
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 “Where…
MICOP to present ‘Pasatono Orquesta’ at Oxnard College on Dec. 15
OXNARD — The Mixteco / Indígena Community Organizing Project, the Latino Performing Arts Institute at Oxnard College and the Oxnard College Arts Collaborative will present “Pasatono Orquesta” at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building,…
Guest commentary: Stupid America! Student unrest
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. How Chicanas/os lost their swagger…
Memorial for Ben Saiz to be held Dec. 11 at Ventura College Santa Paula campus
VENTURA — A memorial for Ben Saiz will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Ventura College Santa Paula campus, 957 Faulkner Road, No. 106, Santa Paula. The memorial, commemorating his life, will be held…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing, USDA hand house keys to 12 Atascadero families
ATASCADERO — Twelve families who worked together to build the majority of their brand new homes under the supervision of Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) received the keys to their homes during a ceremony held on Dec. 4, the organization reported this…
Bilingual commentary: Ancient Greek telenovelas
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 A…
Guest commentary: Women’s Economic Ventures encourages shoppers to buy gifts from local businesses this holiday season
SANTA BARBARA — As the holidays are approaching, many are thinking of the right gift to give friends and family members. Many people plan to head to the mall or department stores to purchase this season’s hottest items, but Women’s…
CSU Channel Islands Choir holiday concert gives Latin classics a modern makeover on Dec. 8
CAMARILLO — The CSU Channel Islands Choir invites the public to a holiday concert that will present traditional Latin mass songs with a modern twist. A concert will be held on the CI campus at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 in…
Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard to present opening reception for ‘Monumentum: Drawings + Paintings by Ramon Ramirez’ on Dec. 13
OXNARD — The Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard will present “Monumentum: Drawings + Paintings by Ramon Ramirez,” with the opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at 424 S. C. St., Oxnard. The exhibit will open Dec. 14…
Guest commentary: Lessons from Arizona
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. Mas sabe el diablo por…
December cover story: Holiday charity event ready to hit the streets
Santa to the Sea Half-Marathon on Dec. 14 to benefit numerous charities in the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It’s beginning to look a lot like — breathing hard, wheezing, thirst and aching muscles. Yes, ’tis the season…
Homeless Santa relocates from Carpinteria to find meaningful service in Oxnard
What some were thinking was a bit of typical Oxnard oddity has turned into a signature event. It was in 2002 when it was announced that Santa was being evicted from Santa Claus Lane just north of Carpinteria to make…
Local news
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands has been named one of the nation’s top universities for Hispanic students by BestColleges.com, an independent, research-based college-planning website for students and families, university officials reported in a media release. The university ranked 19th on…
Commentary: Holiday celebrations keep on growing in the 805 region
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The mystery and the magic of the holiday season is upon us with groups planning celebrations up and down the coast. The first weekend in December typically marks the beginning of holiday celebrations in…
Bilingual commentary: Do men scare women?
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 Americans…