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…
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: 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…
Guest commentary: Make original art your gift for sharing the holiday season at Acuña Gallery @ Café on A
To supporters of the Cafe on A: I am Jaime Casillas, a long-time supporter of the Cafe on A in Oxnard. This letter is unsolicited. My wife (Helen) and I have been Chicano/a Art Collectors for over ten years. The…
Guest commentary: The 1% Cacique Democracy
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 Sixty five…
Finance: 7 tips for keeping holiday budgets (and your holiday spirit) intact
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) “No one is so poor that he can’t give a smile, nor so rich that he doesn’t need it.” — Anonymous Holidays are exciting — family visits and special once-a-year meals, celebrating traditions together…
Local business information
> Mark Sylvester, ambassador for 805connect and CEO of introNetworks, will present the talk “Do connections really matter?” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Cal Lutheran Westlake Center, 31416 Agoura Road, Westlake Village. Sylvester has been building online…
Health: Navigating the holidays with diabetes
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Amid a season of sweets and special foods, it sometimes can be challenging for diabetics to maintain their dietary discipline. But eating certain foods in moderation can help people with diabetes enjoy the flavors 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 December in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-12 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura…
El Concilio Family Services elects 2015 board of directors
OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services recently elected new leadership to its 2015 Board of Directors including new board members, the organization reported Monday. The new officers are: Ernie Villegas, Chairman of the Board; Richard Jaquez, Vice-Chairman; Eduardo Miranda, Secretary;…
Oxnard College’s Latino Thought Maker Series to present ‘Sweet 15’ on Dec. 4
OXNARD — Oxnard College will present the next Latino Thought Makers Series event “Sweet 15” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The free special presentation of Rick Najera’s…
7th annual Oxnard Tamale Festival to be held at Plaza Park on Dec. 6
OXNARD — The Seventh annual Oxnard Tamale Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard. Presented by City of Oxnard Recreation & Community Services and Oxnard College, the free…
Cal Lutheran to re-enact Christmas story on Dec. 7
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks will hold its annual Las Posadas celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. The festive event dates back to the 16th century and is typically celebrated from Dec. 16…
Strings of De Colores to perform at Santa Paula Art Museum holiday party on Dec. 7
SANTA PAULA — The “Strings of De Colores” music program led by Xavier Montes and the Isbell Middle School Chorus led by Donna Nelson, will perform at the free Santa Paula Art Museum Holiday Party from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday,…
Guest commentary: Thinking critically. Is a victory really a victory?
Obama’s immigration order and ethnic studies. If it stinks light a match 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…
Finalists for Moorpark College president to participate in public forum on Dec. 1
MOORPARK — Following a nationwide search process, the Moorpark College President Search Committee has narrowed its selection to three finalists for the position of President, the Ventura County Community College District reported in a media release. The finalists, in alphabetical order,…
Guest commentary: I am thankful my Chicano sons are alive
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 I am…
Bilingual commentary: Give thanks for that?
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…
UCSB’s David López-Carr named AAAS Fellow
A professor of geography joins the ranks of UCSB faculty members honored for their contributions to the advancement of science By Julie Cohen / UCSB UC Santa Barbara’s David López-Carr has been named a fellow of the American Association for…
Guest commentary: ‘There will be no change.’ Debunking the illusion
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 Recent…
Oxnard College’s Latino Thought Maker Series to present ‘An Evening with Esai Morales’ on Nov. 20
OXNARD — Oxnard College’s Latino Thought Maker Series will present the free program, “An Evening with Esai Morales” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Auditorium, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. A self-described “actorvist,” award-winning…
Guest commentary: Acuna Art Gallery at Café on A in Oxnard needs your support
To Friends of the Café on A: You are probably aware of the work that we have been doing in the greater Oxnard community for two decades. About 15 years ago we, with the help of people like you, we…
Bilingual commentary: Do men “Protect” 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 The…
Oxnard College to present Mariachi Aguilas de México, Ballet Folklórico Mestizo Nov. 21 through 23
OXNARD — Oxnard College will present a weekend of traditional Mexican music and dance featuring Mariachi Aguilas de México, with a special performance by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 and 5 p.m.…
Guest commentary: Political Graffiti Part V — Contradictions. It is St. Augustine’s Fault!
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 One…
Nominations close Nov. 14 for El Concilio Family Services’ 2015 Latino Leadership Award
OXNARD — Nominations close at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 for the 2015 Latino Leadership Awards presented by El Concilio Family Services. The Latino Leadership Awards were established in 1990 in order to recognize Individuals or organizations that have made…
Final performances of Teatro de las Américas’ ‘La Patas de Hilo’ to be held Nov. 14-15
OXNARD — The final performances of Teatro de las Américas’ “La Patas de Hilo,” a Román Calvo’s musical comedy, will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15 at the Oxnard College Black Box Theater, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Directed…
Commentary: A day of remembrance and honor
By Dave Rodriguez / Guest contributor Members and Friends, As the sun rises today we should all be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation rich in diversity and dedicated to certain principles. Those who served our nation in war and…
Bilingual commentary: Latinos and the subconscious mind
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 We…
Guest commentary: Political Graffiti Part IV — Historical truth matters. Normalistas ‘Mexico is a Mass Grave’
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 In…
Grupo Yodoquinsi to present ‘An offering for our ancestors’ at the Bell Arts Factory on Nov. 10
VENTURA — Grupo Yodoquinsi from Mexico will present a free ‘An offering for our ancestors’ performance at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura. The group will perform with all prehispanic instruments, reports…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present the Cup of Culture film screening of ‘Documented’ on Nov. 12
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center will present the Cup of Culture film screening of “Documented” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 at UCSB. In 2011, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas outed himself as an undocumented immigrant in…
Art Program at CSU Channel Islands to present ‘Rafael Perea de la Cabada: The Impossibility of Logic’ with opening reception on Nov. 13
CAMARILLO — The Art Program at CSU Channel Islands will present “Rafael Perea de la Cabada: The Impossibility of Logic” at the John Spoor Broome Library Gallery from Nov. 13 through Jan. 23. The exhibit will open with a free public…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present ‘A Journey Through Brazil and Haiti with Alafia Dance Ensemble’ on Nov. 14
SANTA BARBARA – The UCSB Multicultural Center will present “A Journey Through Brazil and Haiti with Alafia Dance Ensemble” at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 at the MCC Theater, UCSB. Alafia Dance Ensemble delivers program of music and dance from Brazil…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present “The Tree & The Donkey Who Loved to Sing’ on Nov. 15
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center will present “The Tree & The Donkey Who Loved to Sing AKA ‘El Árbol’ with Cascada de Flores” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at the MMC Theater, UCSB. Children of all ages…
Eric Harrison to join the United Way of Ventura County as new president & CEO starting Dec. 1
CAMARILLO — Eric Harrison joins the United Way of Ventura County as the new president & chief executive officer effective Dec. 1, the organization reported this week in a media release. Harrison was selected to lead the organization by the…
Pulitzer Prize Nominee Victor Villaseñor to speak at fundraiser for Affordable Housing in Ventura County on Nov. 6
CAMARILLO — Pulitzer Prize Nominee Victor Villaseñor will be the guest speaker at the Ventura County Housing Trust Fund “Affordable Housing Fundraiser” from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 at Camarillo Ranch, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo. Villaseñor will…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present ‘The Story of Salsa’ panel discussion, concert on Nov. 6
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center will present “The Story of Salsa” panel discussion from 6 to 7:30 p.m.Thursday, Nov. 6 at UCSB. The all-star panel discussion on the origin, cultural meaning, and current global boom of salsa music…
Oxnard Public Library to present ‘Oz’ Sanchez: ‘Know No Limits’ talk on Nov. 8
OXNARD— The Oxnard Public Library will host veteran and motivational speaker Oscar “Oz” Sanchez for a presentation at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Oxnard Public Main Library, 251 S. A St., in meeting room B. A Paralympic gold Medalist and…
November cover story: Groups in region busy helping those in need
Food banks, private businesses, others lending aid this holiday season By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While hunger and finding a safe and warm place to sleep remain year-round challenges for many people in the 805 region, the need is…
Commentary: Yes, our national nightmare is almost over. Voting Day is here. Pew Research Center reports on Hispanic voting trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The 2014 election season is rapidly coming to a close. Soon the repetitive television attack advertisements will cease and the growing forest of campaign signs on street corners will disappear — at least until…
Bilingual commentary: Medications and the Soul
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 Often,…
Local news briefs
SAN LUIS OBISPO — SLO RISE (Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower) has announced a change in office hours to meet funding cuts and increasing demand, the organization reported in a media release. “This decision was made after much deliberation,” Jennifer Adams,…
Business: Career opportunities abound in the nonprofit sector
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Nonprofit organizations require the talents of many different types of workers and not just those looking to volunteer. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, more than 1.4 million nonprofit organizations operate within the…
Local business information
> The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) will present its next “Hispano Mixer” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at the Heritage Cultural Center, 141 W. Fifth St., Suite E, downtown Oxnard. Patty Centurion of Surepath Financial…
Health: Benefit from nutritious turkey even after Thanksgiving
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) If turkey is not normally on your lunch or dinner menu, come the holiday season it’s bound to show up in abundance. As soon as the weather cools and the crispness of late autumn is…
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 November in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-11 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
Guest commentary: Political Graffiti Part III — A moment to seize greatness
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 We…
Oxnard Public Library to present film interview of Vietnam veteran Salvador Castaneda on Nov. 4
OXNARD — Oxnard Public Library will host Regina Gonzalez as she screens and comments on a 45-minute film interview of her late father Salvador Castaneda, which is interspersed with video clips he took in Vietnam at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov.…
Guest commentary: Acuña Art Gallery @ Café to celebrate Día de los Muertos
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 On Oct.…
Commentary: Día de los Muertos has arrived. Variety of events scheduled for 805 region
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 You can almost feel it. That special time of year when the veil between life and death is at its thinnest. Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead is upon us with a number of…