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."

2014 Fiestas Patrias to feature ‘Fiesta in the Plaza’ (Sept. 13-14), ‘Fiestas Patrias 2014 Parade’ (Sept. 14) and traditional ‘Cry for Independence’ (Sept. 15) in Oxnard

OXNARD — The 2014 Fiestas Patrias will featuring the Fiesta in the Plaza, Fiesta Patrias 2014 parade concluding with the traditional Cry for Independence on Sept. 15, the Comité Cultural reported in a media release. The Fiesta in the Plaza (“Fiesta en la…

CLU to present ‘Grito de Dolores’ program on Sept. 16. RSVP by Sept. 8

THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University will present “Grito de Dolores: Celebrating Mexico’s Independence and Indigenous Roots,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16 at the Lundring Events Center, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. To celebrate Grito de Dolores, or Mexico’s Independence…

2014 Fiestas Patrias to hold gala dinner, crowning of Fiestas Patrias queen on Sept. 6

OXNARD — The 2014 Fiestas Patrias  gala dinner and crowning of the Fiestas Patrias queen (“Cena-Gala de Coronación“) will be held from 5:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel, 2055 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, the Comité Cultural…

Emergency Preparedness Fair to be held in Ventura on Sept. 6

VENTURA — An “Emergency Preparedness Fair” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, Assemblymember Das Williams reported in a media release. “With the recent Napa earthquake, it’s…

September cover story: Hispanic Heritage Month comes to the 805 region

Fiestas Patrias, ‘Celebracion de Salsa,’ beisbol in the Central Coast among events this month By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 From the traditional “Grito de Dolores” to local beisbol history, salsa dance lessons, free mariachi concerts, classical Flamenco dance performances…

Bilingual commentary: Pacifism and war

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 It…

Local news briefs

SANTA BARBARA — The United Way of Santa Barbara County is seeking volunteers for its 23rd annual Day of Caring to be held Saturday, Sept. 20, the organization reported in a media release. Throughout the day volunteers will help more…

Business: Start a recession-resistant business

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The latest statistics from the Small Business Administration indicate that two-thirds of new businesses survive two years, while about 45 percent survive four years. Such odds inspire curiosity as to how entrepreneurs have the gumption…

Local business news

> The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County has announced a free listing in 805CONNECT. 805connect is a comprehensive database created to provide an official directory and networking platform to connect all businesses in the 805 area code. More than a simple…

Health: Learn to recognize potential cancer symptoms

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event. Those diagnosed with cancer typically wonder how the disease will impact their future, including their ability to work and how the disease may impact their family’s security. Men…

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 September in various locations in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-09 to find times, dates and locations of upcoming…

Mercedes Fernandez-Oromendia, Avery Voos awarded 2013-14 Hosford Awards for Excellence in Professional Behavior at UCSB

SANTA BARBARA — Mercedes Fernandez-Oromendia and Avery Voos, graduate students at the Gevirtz School at UC Santa Barbara, have been awarded 2013-14 Ray E. Hosford Awards for Excellence in Professional Behavior, the university reported in a media release. These awards…

Bilingual commentary: Perception and judgment

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 Perceptions,…

Office of Ventura County Supervisor Zaragoza recruiting for El Rio resident advisory council

VENTURA COUNTY — The Office of Ventura County Supervisor Zaragoza is accepting applications to serve as an alternate member on the El Rio Del Norte Municipal Advisory Council, also known informally as the El Rio MAC, Zaragoza’s office reported in…

Guest commentary: Vampires at the border

Keeping the lower 50 percent in their place 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…

Oxnard College to present ‘The Latino Thought Maker Series’ program on Aug. 27 featuring Carlos Portugal, creator of the HULU original series ‘East Los High’

 OXNARD COLLEGE — Oxnard College will present “The Latino Thought Maker Series” free program featuring Carlos Portugal, creator of the HULU original series “East Los High” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Auditorium,…

Supervisor Zaragoza to attend Gov. Brown’s luncheon Aug. 25 to honor Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto

SACRAMENTO — Ventura County Supervisor John C. Zaragoza will be traveling to Sacramento to attend a luncheon on Aug. 25 hosted by Gov. Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Brown in honor of the President of the United Mexican States,…

Guest commentary: Oxnard Latino community faces epidemic / pandemic health problem

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 The internationally…

Bilingual commentary: Created vs. Reactive Life

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 Sometimes…

Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas to present ‘La infamia / Infamy’ from Aug. 22 through Sept. 6 at Oxnard College

OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas present “La infamia / Infamy,” a tragedy in one act, from Aug. 22 through Sept. 6 at the Black Box Theatre in the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard “La infamia…

2014 Fiestas Patrias celebration opens with ‘Certamen Señorita Fiestas Patrias Traje Tipico’ (traditional dress) competition on Aug. 24 in Oxnard

OXNARD — The 2014 Fiestas Patrias celebration opens with ‘Certamen Señorita Fiestas Patrias Traje Tipico” (traditional dress) competition at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 at Pacifica High School, 600 E. Gonzalez Road, Oxnard, the Comité Cultural Mexicano and Lazer Broadcasting reported in…

Guest commentary: The Chicana/o legacy

Gaining traction but still No. 9 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…

Ventura Harley-Davidson will match every dollar donated until Friday to El Centrito STEAM Fundraising Challenge

By El Centrito Family Learning Centers OXNARD — Ventura Harley-Davidson gave El Centrito and our families a second chance to meet the $5,000 goal for our 5 Days to Raise campaign. When Ventura Harley-Davidson heard that our final fundraising total fell…

Bilingual commentary: Early childhood education is critical for state’s long-term success

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 Das Williams / Guest…

Bilingual commentary: The shock of realization

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 In…

Guest commentary: Why menudo is white?

Francisco R. Almada — Search for knowledge 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…

Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. to celebrate National Health Center Week — Aug. 10-15

VENTURA COUNTY — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will host events in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW), the organization reported in a media release. These events are part of National Campaign which celebrates the record of success demonstrated…

Bilingual commentary: The Good Sin

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 Sometimes,…

Guest commentary: Sometimes you cannot stay quiet

The border and the Middle 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…

Ventura County Adult Education Consortium to hold series of town hall meetings on adult education Aug. 7, 11 and 12

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Adult Education Consortium invites Ventura County adult education providers and partners to a series of town hall meetings on Aug. 5 (Oxnard College), 6 (Ventura Adult and Continuing Education), 7 (Moorpark College), 11 Ventura College…

Ventura County Fair features concert by Tony Orlando on Aug. 5

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Fair will present Tony Orlando in concert at the Grandstand Arena 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the Grandstand Arena. All concerts are free with fair admission. Visit http://www.venturacountyfair.org/fair/ for admission prices.

Rep. Capps to host Santa Maria forum on DACA on Aug. 9

SANTA MARIA — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) will host a forum where people can receive an update and review from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials on their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal application and information on…

‘Night in Oaxaca’ to be held Aug. 9 in Oxnard

OXNARD — The Mixecto / Indigena Community Organizing Project will present its fourth annual “Night in Oaxaca” fundraising, awards and cultural celebration beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. “Join…

Local news briefs

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) hosted its second Migrant Summer Leadership Institute (MSLI) for migrant high school students and their parents from July 11-26, university officials reported in a media release. The institute, funded through a grant from the…

Business: Switch jobs with grace, decorum

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Women leave jobs for various reasons. Some women cite disparities in pay, an inability to advance through the company or incompatibility with a particular place of business as their reasons for seeking new employment, while…

Local business information

> The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County has launched an enhanced website to ensure that business leaders can easily and efficiently access the latest information to help their companies grow, the organization reported in a media release. The site, www.edc-vc.com, has…

Health: Power of a positive attitude

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) A balanced diet, exercise, genetics, and even certain medications can work in concert to make a person healthy. But a person’s demeanor also can factor into personal health. The Mayo Clinic says that whether or…

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 August in various locations in Ventura County. Visit the organization’s online calendar at http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-08 to find times,…

Assemblymember Das Williams encourages designated drivers for Old Spanish Days Fiesta festivities

SANTA BARBRA — Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Carpinteria) encourages all those that will participate in this week’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta to make the responsible decision to not drink and drive, Williams reported Thursday in a media release. “Injuries and deaths…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announces three new board members

Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare join board of directors. Clyde Freeman named board president CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold announced the appointment of Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare…

Bilingual commentary: Sunshine: Friend or foe?

Editor’s note: David Magallanes is on vacation this week. This is a reprint from last year about an important topic: protecting ourselves from sunshine. Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed…