Reservations are due by Friday, Oct. 28 for the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s “Celebration of Justice Reception.” The reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3 at Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston St., Ventura.…
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."
Volunteers needed for MICOP’S monthly meeting on Oct. 29
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project presents its monthly community meeting starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard. In conjunction with the Rio Neighborhood for Learning, a community meeting will also be held at…
Hartung appointed director of the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute at CSU Channel Islands
CAMARILLO — Elizabeth Hartung has been appointed as the new director of the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at CSU Channel Islands, university officials reported Friday in a media release. “I am very pleased…
Commentary: The ideal vacation — northern Tuscany
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor If you are dreaming of or planning a vacation abroad next spring or summer, I have a recommendation. Tuscany has been a favorite vacation spot for Americans for many years, but it has…
Oxnard College Foundation presenting 4th annual Tardeada on Oct. 22
The Oxnard College Foundation’s 4th Annual Tardeada will present the Core Ensemble performing the chamber music theater work “Tres Vidas” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center. Chamber music theater is a unique performance…
Commentary: Giftedness
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor When I was in college studying mathematics, I often enjoyed listening to music, though not the kind that most young people listen to today. For some reason, I seemed to do my best mathematical work…
Commentary: Chicano Rock!
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor I love museums, big ones, dinky ones, modern, old, doesn’t matter. And I love most music, oldies, new stuff, R & B, even some rap (my kids could not believe me when I played Eminem…
OHS Marching Band & Auxiliary to hold car wash on Oct. 22
The Oxnard High School Marching Band & Auxiliary will hold a “Car Wash, BBQ and E-Waste” fundraiser beginning with the E-Waste event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 at Oxnard High School. The car wash will be…
Bilingual report: Gran Kermes celebration on Oct. 23 in Port Hueneme
The Club Social Potrero de Gallegos Valparaiso, Zacatecas, will hold its “Gran Kermes” celebration to benefit the remodeling of a church from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at 665 Pearson Road, Port Hueneme. Food and DJ entertainment. Call…
Bilingual report: Promotores celebration on Oct. 23 in Santa Barbara
“Vision y compromiso: La red de promotoras y trabajadores,” a celebration of promotoras month, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Department of Education, 4400 Cathedral Oaks, Santa Barbara in the auditorium. Food, music…
Residents urged to participate in Great California Shake Out on Oct. 20
SANTA BARBARA — Assemblymember Das Williams urges Californian’s along the central coast to participate in the Great California Shake Out 2011, a statewide earthquake preparedness drill at 10.20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, his office reported in a media release. “Once…
Real estate fraud town hall meeting set for Oct. 20 in Oxnard
“Don’t Be A Victim!” Real estate fraud town hall meeting, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the South Oxnard Community Center, 200 E. Bard, Oxnard. Hosted by Ventura County Supervisors Kathy Long and John C. Zaragoza. Call Long’s office at…
Bilingual report: Tequila tasting on Oct. 21 to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
“It’s Tequila Time” fundraiser to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at 816 Camarillo Springs Road, in the Orchid Room. Tickets, $45 each or $80 for two, includes dinner, entertainment and several tastings…
Final performances of Teatro’s ‘Adán, Eva, y la otra’ set for Oct. 21-22
Final two performances of Teatro de las Américas’ ‘Adán, Eva, y la otra’ Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Black Box Theater at the Oxnard Performing Arts Theater, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Special attraction: Music by…
¡Viva Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Valente Pastor Oct. 21-23
¡Viva Arte de Santa Barbara! will present “La voz más Mexicana,” Valente Pastor, with free concerts on Friday, Oct. 21, Isla Vista School, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 22, Guadalupe City Hall, 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m., at…
Bilingual report: Consulate seeking information for ‘Day of the Dead’ events
The Consulate of México in Oxnard is currently organizing a community calendar for the “Day of the Dead” activities in the Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. A committee of community leaders will be visiting each site with “Ofrendas”…
Supervisor Zaragoza inducted into Oxnard High School Hall of Fame
Ventura County Supervisor and Oxnard High School alumnus John C. Zaragoza was inducted into the Oxnard High School Hall of Fame on Thursday, Oct. 13. “I am honored to receive this great award from Oxnard High School,” Zaragoza stated in…
Oxnard-Ocotlán Sister City Committee fundraiser set for Oct. 18
Fundraising Mexican Dinner presented by the Oxnard-Ocotlán Sister City Committee, 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Cabo Seafood Grill & Bar, 1041 So. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard. $12. Call 805.443.1419 for more information.
Bilingual report: Social Justice Fund for VC to hold community workshop on Oct. 19
The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County has announced a series of programs benefiting the community. The “Building a Strong Community” workshop will be presented from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the Center for Employment Training, 761…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Union High School District to present ‘College Night’ on Oct. 20
The Oxnard Union High School District will present “College Night” for parents and students in the 12th grade from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. The event, with presentations…
Commentary: Final De Colores Art Show reception set for Oct. 15 in Santa Paula
By Frank X. Moraga / www.Amigos805.com Say it’s not true, but it looks like the final De Colores Art Show will kick off with a farewell reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Santa Paula Museum…
Commentary: Preparing for retirement
By Boyd Lemon / Guest constributor In an earlier column I told you about how I found my life’s passion — writing — in retirement. It is important to have a passion to pursue when you are retired. This column…
Commentary: Why I Am Catholic. Or am I?
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor I sometimes wonder what pastors of small, struggling churches think when they compare their small, incipient Sunday flocks scattered throughout the meeting room with the packed, standing-room-only masses that attend, well, Mass at the vastly…
UCSB conference on Oct. 14 to highlight new scholarship on César Chávez and the UFW
SANTA BARBARA — New research and scholarship that have altered the general understanding of the United Farm Workers (UFW) movement as well as that of labor and civil rights leader César Chávez will be the focus of a daylong…
L.A. Xicano exhibits opens on Oct. 14 with ‘Art Along the Hyphen: The Mexican-American Generation’
One city, five exhibitions, more than eighty artists. An unprecedented view of Chicano art. Organized by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center and curated by Chon A. Noriega, Terezita Romo, and Pilar Tompkins Rivas L.A. Xicano is a unique collaboration between the…
FOOD Share to benefit from ticket sales at Oct. 14-16 Harvest Festival
Visitors get a $2 discount with donation to FOOD Share VENTURA — Get a jump on the holidays and turn your shopping experience into a celebration at the Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show, October 14-16 at the Ventura…
Commentary: Ending class warfare in education
Class warfare in education has been waged for years. It must end. Cries from the extreme right have accused President Obama of starting a “class warfare” because corporations and the ultra-rich are being asked to pay their fair share in…
Downtown Oxnard celebrates Art Beat on Oct. 8
October’s Downtown Oxnard Second Saturday Art Beat begins at 6 p.m. Oct. 8. Art Beat is Downtown Oxnard’s answer to the question, “what is happening in Oxnard?” organizers reported in a media release. Come and see for yourself by walking the…
Commentary: Travel as therapy
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Have you ever said, “I really need to get away.” Behind this not uncommon expression is the implied recognition that travel, despite its sometimes stressful moments, can be therapeutic. My experience in recovering from…
Commentary: Raising a daughter
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor I have had the experience and privilege of raising a daughter. Many people throughout the years have indicated to me their belief that I had accomplished this task successfully. It was not always easy nor…
Commentary: Young filmmaker shows stamina
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor At twenty years of age, Bibiana Martinez, is well on her way to living her passion. She is a student at the Art Institute of California in Santa Monica, California and has already won an award…
CSU Channel Islands awarded $6 million Federal grant to encourage Hispanic science, math graduates
University will partner with local community colleges, schools in five-year grant-funded effort CAMARILLO – A $6 million federal grant will be used to help inspire and educate the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates at CSU Channel…
Capps announces Federal funding for physical education program for Ventura County schools
WASHINGTON – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) announced on Tuesday that Ventura Unified School District has been awarded a three year, nearly $983,000 grant from the Department of Education’s Carol M. White Physical Education Program. The federal funding will allow…
Carnegie holds ‘Meet the Artists’ on Oct. 6
The Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard will hold its meet the artist showcase “Benjamin and Sean Anderson,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 at 424 So. C St., Oxnard. “Hear from them how they have merged classical art training from…
Downtown Sol to hold grand opening Oct. 8
Downtown Sol will hold its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 at 328 W. Third St., downtown Oxnard. Featuring handcrafted clothing, gift items, paintings, jewelry, handbags and other items in the historic Lopez Building. Opening…
‘Migrants/A Journey’ set for Oct. 4 at CSU Channel Islands
“2501 Migrants: A Journey,” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 4 at CSU Channel Islands, Broome Library 1360. Presented by the Centers for Community Engagement and Multicultural Engagement, the full-length documentary explores questions of art and…
Destino to hold 2011 Grantee reception in Ventura on Oct. 5
Event set for Oct. 5 at Derby Club California Lutheran University, Padres Promotores de la Educación, Many Mansions and Project College Bound from the Moorpark College Unified School District will be receiving grants from Destino: The Hispanic Legacy Fund, during…
Teatro’s ‘Adán…’ opens Oct. 7 at Oxnard College
Teatro de las Américas’ opens ‘Adán, Eva, y la otra’ Friday, Oct. 7 and continues through Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Black Box Theater at the Oxnard Performing Arts Theater, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Hours: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Amigos805.com is…
‘Defying Gravity — New work by Claudia Pardo’ reception on Oct. 7
A reception for “Defying Gravity — New Work by Claudia Pardo” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7 at the Vita Art Center at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura. The exhibit will…
Capps announces federal funds for Oxnard College to help Hispanic students earn degrees in science, math, engineering
SANTA BARBARA — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) on Thursday announced that Oxnard College has been awarded a highly competitive grant from the Department of Education’s Science Technology Engineering Mathematics program for Hispanic Serving Institutions. Oxnard College has been awarded…
Commentary: Retirement — Prepare, prepare, prepare
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor In September 2003 I sat on my beach chair, cream colored sand caressing my feet, a hundred steps from my front door, my sight drifting from the stark silhouette of Anacapa to the purplish-browns…
Commentary: Nudges: Staying alert
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor Yesterday one of my sisters, who is very attuned to the spiritual dimension, wrote to me that she had gone to bed for the night when suddenly something “nudged” her to get up and go…
Commentary: César’s last fast
César’s Last Fast: “One man taking on Goliath-like forces in a fight for social justice.” The second of a two-part series: By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor The Kickstarter campaign to raise money to complete the documentary “Cesar’s Last Fast,” began on…
Bilingual report: Health forum on drugs and alcohol set for Sept. 29
A health conference presented in Spanish on drugs and alcohol will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Ventura County Public Health Building, 2240 E. Gonzales Road, Suite 200, Oxnard. Presented by Elizabeth Taylor, M.S.…
‘Secure Communities’ forum set for Sept. 29 in Santa Barbara
PUEBLO will present a community forum with Sheriff Bill Brown at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Presido Springs Conference Room, 721 Laguna St., Santa Barbara. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Call 805.882.2484 for more…
Latino Business Expo set for Sept. 29
The Latino Business Expo will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Four Points by Sheraton, Ventura Harbor Resort, 1050 Schooner Drive, Ventura. The theme for this year is Tacos, Tequila and Tamales. Call 805.216.1927…
Nominaciones para los premios Liderazgo Latino de El Concilio 2012
Las nominaciones ya están abiertas para los premios de Liderazgo Latino de El Concilio Family Services 2012. Estos premios serán presentados el sábado 24 de marzo del 2012 en el Oxnard Performing Art Center. Los premios fueron establecidos en 1990…
Palacio to read, sign new novel on Sept. 27 in Santa Barbara
Melinda Palacio will sign and read from her debut novel, “Ocotillo Dreams,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 at Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St., Santa Barbara. The book is set in Chandler, Arizona, during the city’s infamous 1997 migrant sweeps and…
Oxnard College Literature, Arts & Lecture Series begins on Sept. 28
American Sign Language professor Kristine Hall will tell her story of growing up deaf in a deaf family, her struggles to communicate with the outside world and get an advanced education, and her journey to becoming a full-time ASL professor…
Commentary: So you want to write
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I am a retired lawyer who, in the past six years, has re-invented himself as a writer. Since then I have met hundreds of people who tell me they want to write, but they…
Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum to offer view of Ventura County’s vital industry
Opens to the public at 11 a.m. Sept. 25 at The Mill in Santa Paula. Museum features bilingual exhibits By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com From sugar beets and lima beans to lemon orchards and strawberries, Ventura County residents have witnessed…
Commentary: The dance of life
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Generally, boys learn about becoming men from their peers (God help us) and their fathers. This could be beneficial if the peers and fathers were raised in a healthy environment — something that seems…
Commentary: César’s last fast
César’s Last Fast: “One man taking on Goliath-like forces in a fight for social justice.” This article is a two part series: By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor A couple of weeks ago I chatted with a friend about the need for…
Volunteers needed for MICOP monthly meeting on Sept. 24
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project presents its monthly community meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard. Volunteers are needed to help with children’s arts & crafts programs. Call Donna Foster…
Deadline is Sept. 26 to register as volunteer for United Way’s ‘Day of Caring’
Members of the United Way’s Latino Action Team take part in the 2009 “Day of Caring.” CAMARILLO — United Way of Ventura County invites the community to participate in its 22ndannual “Day of Caring” on Saturday, Oct. 1, the organization…
Bilingual report: El gobierno de México dona $35,000 a la Agencia de Salud del Condado de Ventura
Oxnard — Representando al Condado de Ventura, en las oficinas del Consulado de México, el Supervisor del 5to. Distrito del Condado de Ventura, John Zaragoza, recibió el pasado viernes 9 de septiembre una donación por $35,000 que envío la Secretaria…
“Blowout” book presentation, signing set for Sept. 21 at CSU Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands’ Chicano Studies program presents Sal Castro and Mario T. Garcia in a book signing for “Blowout: Sal Castro & the Chicano Struggle for Educational Justice,” from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Broome Library…
Capps applauds repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
WASHINGTON — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) applauded the repeal of the military’s failed and discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, her office reported today in a media release. Capps has long supported the repeal of DADT and…
Volunteers still needed for Day of Kids on Sept. 24
Tiffany Lopez reports that volunteers are still needed for the annual Boys & Girls Clubs “Day for Kids” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Boys & Girls Club Martin V. Smith Youth Center, 1900 W.…
Williams sides with consumer protections in votes
SACRAMENTO — As issues relating to consumer protection arose for state lawmakers during the first part of the legislative session, Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) sided with consumers 100 percent of the time, the office of Das Williams reported in…
Diva Tu! fall issue now available
Diva Tu! publisher Natty Rios-Sipes has announced that the new Diva Tu! Fall issue is now available featuring “Back to School Inspiration” by Kassandra Romero, “Blueprint for Success” by Mariaemma Willis, Fashion “TeenTrends,” “Quinceañeras de Niña a Mujer” and “Social…
UCSB to hold Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Expo at Oxnard College on Sept. 20
UC Santa Barbara and Oxnard College are teaming up for STEM EXPO 2011, a daylong event that will bring middle and high school students from the Oxnard and Santa Paula area together with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professionals,…
Capps celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
WASHINGTON — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) issued the following statement in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15 every year. “This week we begin celebrating Hispanic Heritage month and will pay tribute to…
Commentary: Digging deep
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I have been married and divorced three times. A few years after my last divorce I wrote a memoir about my journey to understand my role in the destruction of those three marriages, “Digging…
Announcement: Author presentation this weekend
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor This weekend we have an interactive and fun author presentation for children within Ventura County. At the Ventura Bank of Books, we have “My Handy Writing Book: A New, Fun and Easy Way to Write…
Commentary: A Mexican cousin’s view of the U.S.
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor It was their 8/25. It doesn’t resonate with us as well as “9/11” does and always will. The events of August 25, 2011, weren’t of the gasping magnitude of 9/11, but it shook Mexican society…
Mexican Consulate posts Fiestas Patrias event calendar
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has posted the Fiestas Patrias event calendar for the 805 region. Click on image above to see the full calendar.
Son Jarocho workshop set for Sept. 14 in Oxnard
Visiting artist Andres Flores will provide a special Son Jarocho Workshop from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Arts for Action, 535 So. C St., Oxnard. There is a $5 requested donation. Flores is from Coatzalcoalcos Veracruz and…
Bilingual report: Nominations open for 2012 El Concilio Latino Leadership Awards
Nominations are open for the 2012 El Concilio Family Services annual Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The awards were established in 1990 in order to recognize individuals that have…
Thibeault to talk at Stress, Health and Longevity Class on Sept. 14
Donald Thibeault will be the guest speaker at the Stress, Health and Longevity Class meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at 702 County Square Drive, Ventura. He will talk about ”Mental Gymnastics and Aging Gracefully.” Call 805.652.2828 for…
FOOD Share to hold Fruit Share program on Sept. 24
(VENTURA COUNTY) – When Bonnie Weigel, FOOD Share CEO, visits Ventura County neighborhoods and sees ripe lemons, avocados or peaches that have fallen to the ground and are rotting, she cringes. Weigel knows that rather than go to waste, each piece of fruit…
Das Williams: Legislation secures federal funding for energy efficiency retrofits to state buildings
SACRAMENTO — A bill that Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) has authored jointly with the chairman of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce to authorize the transfer of additional money to help finance energy efficiency retrofits in state buildings…
Actividades de la Ventanilla de Salud en Septiembre
Actividades de la Ventanilla de Salud en Septiembre.
CSU’s ‘Channel Magazine’ features Lacayo Institute
The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) has been featured in a new article by Lori Putnam at CSU Channel Islands “Channel Magazine.” Launched last November, the non-profit and non-partisan Institute is named for Hank Lacayo,…
Das Williams: Assembly passes tax relief for middle class families
Plan also Closes Tax Loophole and Helps Small Businesses SACRAMENTO — Assembly Democrats and two Republican’s approved a plan on Sept 8 that includes an income tax break for working families and provides an incentive for job creation here in…
Capps applauds outline of American Jobs Act, urges House leadership to bring bill to the floor
WASHINGTON – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s address to Congress and outline of the American Jobs Act. “Tonight, President Obama laid out several straightforward, bipartisan proposals to create jobs and…
Commentary: Baseball, horse races and trains
Editor’s note: Boyd Lemon reported this week that his book “Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages,” was the 65th best selling book in its genre on Kindle. This week the ebook version is on sale for 99 cents on http://www.Amazon.com, http://www.BarnsandNoble.com and http://www.Smashwords.com By…
Commentary: Dieting…Or A Way of Life?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Sometimes I wonder if at my age and considering my gender, I’m a candidate for anorexia. Especially when I get dressed for the day, look at my profile around the waist area in the…
Registration open for Binational Health Week conference
The Binational Health Week 2011 11th annual Health Conference, “Celebrating Healthy Families,” will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 at Veteran’s Memorial Community Center, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria. The deadline for organizations to…
Oxnard Art Beat set for Sept. 10
The Downtown Oxnard Art Beat will close out the summer by featuring a variety of art, music, dancing and dining opportunities from 5 p.m. to closing time on Saturday, Sept. 10 at various venues in downtown Oxnard, organizers reported in…
LULAC’s first fall meeting set for Sept. 10 in Ventura
The League of United Latin American Citizens will hold its first fall meeting of LULAC District 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at Clinicas del Camino Real, 200 So. Wells Road, No. 200, Ventura. Contact Jorge Napoles,…
Mexican Consulate releases calendar of events for September
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Wednesday released its schedule of events for September. Click here or on the image to view a pdf of the schedule.
Oxnard College announces schedule for OC Literature, Arts & Lecture Series
Oxnard College has announced the schedule for its Literature, Arts & Lecture Series beginning Sept. 28. Sponsored by Oxnard College, all events are held on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the new Oxnard College Performing Arts Building (OCPA),…
Capps, others introduce legislation to ensure jobs are a priority
Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, joined Rep. John Larson and 57 of her colleagues in introducing legislation on Sept. 6 to ensure that job creation and economic growth are given the same focus and priority in Congress as reducing the…
Das Williams bill to increase public safety clears senate floor
A bill authored by Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) that provides policy guidelines regarding background screening requirements for Emergency Medical Responders, passed the Senate floor on Sept. 6, according to a media release. Assembly Bill 1245 simply states that if…
Republic Services helping FOOD Share collect donations
Republic Services Inc., a provider of solid waste collection, transfer and disposal services, recently launched a “Food and Funds Drive” in support of FOOD Share, Ventura County’s regional food bank, the organization reported this week in a media release. Throughout…
Applications available for Rebozo Festival award
Organization/institutions are encouraged to participate in the “Nomination for Appropriations” 2012 Rebozo Festival Awards, festival organizers reported this week in a media release. The awards are presented annually by Las Madrinas of Ventura County. The next event will be held…
Commentary: Recovering from divorce
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Since one in two marriages in the United States ends in divorce, it is a subject many of us think about, but, except for celebrity divorces, not much is written or publically said about…
Latino Health Awareness Month calendar released
In honor of Latino Health Awareness Month, the Ventura County Public Health-Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Oxnard Police Department and The Network for a Healthy California — Gold Coast Region Latino Campaign, have teamed up to promote a number of events in September, including…
Commentary: My Daily Fix
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor It’s something I have to have. I buy it and have it delivered to my house every day. I can’t imagine not having it, and if I’m out traveling and can’t get it, I…
FOOD Share challenges community to participate in 30 ways in 30 days during Hunger Action Month
Online calendar provides 30 days of simple suggestions in September to help feed the hungry The concept is simple but the potential pay-off is huge. If every single individual, family and business makes the personal commitment to take action to…
Commentary: Complications of diabetes in the United States
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Last week’s article discussed the ‘Diabetes Epidemic’ in the Latino community. I hope you remembered the challenge: eat more green vegetables and begin to exercise fifteen to thirty minutes a day. The other day I mentioned…
Latino links: Educational trends
The number of 18- to 24-year-olds attending college hit an all-time high of 12.2 million in October 2010. A good part of that grow was attributed to a 24 percent jump in Hispanic enrollement, according to a report by the…
El Concilio urges ‘Get together. Give together’
As we enjoy the last days of summer in Ventura County, it is a time to appreciate all that we have — sunshine, beach time with friends, summer vacations, Yvonne Gutierrez of El Concilio Family Services reported this week in…
Local ballet company’s dance program proves therapeutic for foster children
Imagine being removed from your home and the care of your family only to leave behind everything you have ever known. For no fault of their own, thousands of children are removed from their homes and placed into foster…
Bilingual report: Three bills awaiting governor’s signature
Three pieces of legislation being carried by first-term State Assemblymember Das Williams (D- Santa Barbara) are currently awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature after successfully navigating the legislative process in both the Assembly and Senate. the office of Assemblymember Das Williams…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las America’s presenting ‘Karaoke Night’ on Aug. 31
Teatro de las Américas and Genmai Sushi will present “Karaoke Night,” with dinner at 7 p.m. and karaoke from 8 p.m. until closing on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 3623 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. A percentage of the dinner/drink tab will…
Bilingual report: Local officials rally to support effort to save McGrath State Beach
Leaders urge families to help prevent closure of McGrath State Park by Voting online for a chance to win $100,000 in National America is Your Park contest Assemblymember Das Williams (D- Santa Barbara) was joined by Senator Fran Pavley (D- Santa…
Commentary: Forgiving
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Half of the time my father worked nights, so he had more leisure time during the day than most fathers. He spent much of that time with me. We went to baseball games and…
MICOP seeking volunteers on Aug. 26, 27
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is seeking volunteers to fill 500 backpacks with school supplies starting at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 So. Gisler St., Oxnard. MICOP is also seeking volunteers from 4 to…
Commentary: Remodeling…What have I done?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor I look around my home now and see devastation. But this is good. It means my remodel project has finally begun. But as I look around sometimes, I catch myself asking, “What have I done?”…
Williams, Zaragoza seeking public support to keep McGrath State Beach open
Votes can help park win $100,000 for renovations Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) and Ventura County Fifth District Supervisor John Zaragoza are asking 805 residents to vote for McGrath State Beach, which currently ranks 6th in the “America…
Visita del Gobernador de Oaxaca Gabino Cué Monteagudo a Oxnard
Consulado General de México en Oxnard — El Gobernador de Oaxaca, Gabino Cué Monteagudo, realizó una gira de trabajo en Oxnard, el pasado sábado 20 de Agosto, en el rancho J&E ante cerca de 300 personas. La bienvenida la ofrecieron…
Commentary: Diabetes in the U.S. Latino community
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Last week I shared a family incident, which many people said they identified with on two levels. One was the “Sandwich Generation,” which I also call the “Quesadilla Generation,” because I often feel like sticky queso pulled…
Hernandez, Perez among individuals, groups honored by United Way
Orlando Hernandez, a volunteer tax preparer for the United Way of Ventura County’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It program since 2006, and David Perez, chair of the Young Leaders Society’s board of directors, are among a group of individuals and organizations that…
‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ set for Aug. 26-28 at Oxnard College
Carmen Guerrero of Oxnard College reports that Moorpark and Oxnard College will present a Moorpark College production on the Oxnard campus “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and…
Latino Links: Media trends
To counter opponents of NBC’s proposed merger with Comcast last year, NBC promoted a number of TV series featuring minorities. But little more than six months after the approval of the merger by the Federal Communications Commission, some of NBCUniversal’s…
Concierto de Son Jarocho con ‘Los Vega’ 27 de Agosto
Proyecto Jarocho presenta talleres y concierto de Son Jarocho con “Los Vega”, sabado, 27 de Agosto de 2011, Casa de la Guerra, No. 9 E. De la Guerra St., Santa Barbara. Talleres: 4:00 a 6:00 pm (Jarana, Guitarra de Son, Arpa,…
EDC-VC global trade classes start on Aug. 22
The Economic Development Collaborative — Ventura County and the California Small Business Development Center will present Global Trade Classes starting Aug. 22 at Santa Barbara City College. Taught by Ray Bowman, international trade expert and Small Business Development Center director,…
‘Che’ film, faculty discussion set for Aug. 23 at UCSB
John Foran will be the faculty speaker prior to the presentation “Che: Part One” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the UCSB MultiCultural Center in Santa Barbara. Part of the UCSB Education Abroad Program’s “Word Revolutions Film Series,” the…
Encuentro Comunitario con el Gobernador de Oaxaca Gabino Cué Monteagudo el 20 de Agosto en Oxnard
Buenos días a todos. Por instrucciones del Cónsul Rogelio Flores, me permito extender a Ustedes una invitación cordial para que nos acompañen en la visita que realizará el Gobernador del Estado de Oaxaca, Lic. Gabino Cue Monteagudo, el próximo sábado…
Commentary: What they have
This is the second of a two part article started last week about my visit to an African village. By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor After walking more than a mile from the village center, we arrived at the village…
Commentary: Chaos
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Earlier this year I started to read a book that is not your average bedside novel. When people at a party ask me, “What books are you reading now?” I no longer tell them that…
Mora to lead CSU Channel Islands Alumni & Friends board
Fernando Mora has been elected president of the 2011-2012 Alumni & Friends Association Board of Directors for CSU Channel Islands, the institution reported on Wednesday. “This is a very important opportunity for me to give back time and energy to…
Social Justice Fund seeking donors for grantmaking challenge
The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County reports that Aug. 31 is the deadline for community members to donate $25 each to match a $5,000 grant-making challenge from Meenal and Kris Kelkar. “We need 100 people to donate $25. Step…
Bilingual report: Enedina Castañeda to perform Aug. 20 at Expo México Emprende Los Angeles 2011
Santa Maria Valley educator Enedina Castañeda will be performing her poetry at the Expo México Emprende Los Angeles 2011, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 a the Los Angeles Convention Center. Jose Luis Rojas, Mexican singer and song writer, will…
Commentary: The Sandwich Generation, Hold the Mayo
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Last night my sister and I lounged on the balcony watching the sunset. We’re on vacation, with our mother and other sister, near San Diego and it’s a lovely warm evening. The mountains turned from green…
Tour de Dreams comes to CSU Channel Islands on Aug. 19
Dreamers without borders will host the Tour de Dreams with a potluck BBQ, discussion, live DJ and Dance at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at CSU Channel Islands at the Student Union Treehouse Courtyard. The Tour de Dreams will be…
Amigos805 offering Hispanic Heritage Month special advertising rates
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, coupon and business-card size advertisements will appear in Amigos805.com during September and October at a discount cost of $50 per advertisement per month, a $50 savings. Business Directory advertisements will also appear in Amigos805.com…
Lacayo celebrating 80th birthday on Aug. 20
Henry “Hank” Lacayo will celebrate his 80th birthday at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 during the “Hank Lacayo 80th Birthday Tribute & HLI Fundraiser at Spanish Hills Country Club, 999 Crestview Ave., Camarillo. Join us in celebrating Hank’s lifetime of…
Clubes Zacatecanos celebrar treceavo aniversario 20 de Agosto
La Organizacion de Clubes Zacatecanos del Condado de Ventura los invita “A Celebrar su Treceavo Aniversario — Certamen Seõrita Zacatecas 2011-2012,” 6 pm a 12 am. domingo, 20 de Agosto del 2011, Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel, 2010 Mandalay Beach Road,…
Friends invite community to ‘Old School Night’ dinner-concert-dance on Aug. 20
Tickets are still available for the “Old School Night” dinner-concert-dance, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at Casa Lopez, 325 So. A St., Oxnard. Featuring Rock ‘N Roll, Oldies, R&B, Soul, Funk, Disco, Salsa and Mexicana with DJ Sherman…
Latino Links: Political trends
Rick Perry may have a challenge convincing Latinos to support him after the Texas governor announced on Aug. 13 that he was entering the race for the 2012 Republican nomination. Writer Yolanda Gonzalez Gomez reports in the Huffington Post that…
Commentary: WHAT THEY HAVE (Part 1)
A Personal Essay By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Not long ago I joined a small tour group to visit a village in Malawi, Africa, a small country east of Tanzania. “I will be your tour guide,” Kea said. “The…
Commentary: Searching For Aztlán—Part IV (final part)
By David Magallanes/ Guest contributor When I was young and my parents would take me and my siblings to Mass on Sundays, we would pass through the main doors at the back of the church, entering the vestibule as the ushers…
Latino artists, community well represented in Downtown Oxnard Art Beat on Aug. 13
The Downtown Oxnard Art Beat will feature a variety of art, music, dancing and dining opportunities from 5 p.m. to closing time on Saturday, Aug. 13 at various venues in downtown Oxnard. Area art spaces and restaurants will be offering…
De Colores fundraiser set for Aug. 13 in Santa Paula
The first fundraiser of the year for the De Colores Arts Festival will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Los Arcos Restaurant, 978 E. Main St., Santa Paula. The event features Mariachi Orgullo de Mexico,…
OHS Marching Band & Auxiliary to hold car wash Aug. 13
The Oxnard High School Marching Band & Auxiliary is sponsoring a car wash, BBQ and free eWaste recycling event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Oxnard High School parking lot, 3400 W. Gonzalez Road, Oxnard. All…
Danza Folklórícas de México celebrar 14 de Agosto
Danzas Folklórícas de Méxîco de la Federacíon de Clubes Unidos Mexícanos, 1 a 5 p.m. domingo, 14 de Agosto, Pacifica High School, 600 E. Gonzales Road, Oxnard. Con “La Guadalupana” de Club Copándaro, Michoacán; “Los Huehues” de Tlaxcala; “Los Diablitos”…
Clubes Zacatecanos celebrar treceavo aniversario 14 de Agosto
La Orgaizacion de Clubes Zacatecanos de Condado de Ventura los invitar “A Celebrar su Treceavo Aniversario,” con presentacion de vestido regional, 2 p.m. a 5 p.m. domingo, 14 de Agosto del 2011, Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, (Ventura…
MICOP seeking donations for ‘Operation Backpack’
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is seeking donations for “Operation Backpack,” its 2011 backpack drive. Backpacks filled with school supplies will be donated to children of indigenous farmworkers. MICOP is seeking supply-packed backpacks (scissors, crayons, pens, pencils, etc.) or cash to…
Reservations due Aug. 10 for SCE’s ENLACES Latino Community Forum
Southern California Edison will present the “2011 ENLACES Latino Community Forum and Capacity-Building Workshop” from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at Casa Lopez Restuarant, 325 So. A St., Oxnard, El Concilio Family Services reported this week. The…
Mexican Consulate releases information calendar for August
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Monday released its schedule of events for August. Click here to view a pdf of the schedule.
Breakfreee.org free financial seminar on Aug. 9 in Oxnard
Breakfreee.org is sponsoring free sessions on finances from 6 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesday (Aug. 9) and the fourth Thursday (Aug. 25) of each month at 415 W. Fifth St., Oxnard (6 to 7 p.m. by appointment and 7 to 8 p.m. for…
Downtown Oxnard ArtPub happy hour set for Aug. 9
Downtown Oxnard ArtPub Happy Hour Mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 at The Kitchen, 529 So. A St., Oxnard. Contact Tracy Hudak, Arts Impact Director at tracy@downtownoxnard.org or call 805.340.2106.
Free, low cost Tdap vaccine clinics offered Aug. 11 through Aug. 30
Ventura County Health Care Agency Las Islas Mobile Medical Clinic and the Ventura County Public Health Immunization Program have partnered to offer low cost or no cost Tdap vaccine for students entering 7th through 12th grade this year. Clinics will…
Commentary: The debt ceiling debate: Was it lunacy?
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Polls show that the vast majority of Americans were appalled this week at the debate over the debt ceiling that seemed to take the country to the edge of economic catastrophe. Did this debacle…
Sk805 skate, arts competition set for Aug. 20 in Oxnard
Arts for Action is presenting “Sk805 — Skateboarding and Board Design Competition” from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at Oxnard’s Skate Park off of Rose Avenue. The event features local and professional artists and skaters will include an…
Boys & Girls Clubs launch Million Dollar Raffle fundraiser
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme has launched its Million Dollar Raffle fundraiser, with ticket holders eligible to win the grand prize of $1 million cash. Other prizes include a 2012 BMW Mini Cooper, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette,…
Commentary: Searching For Aztlán—Part III
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor On April 3, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, Martin Luther King gave, in retrospect, an eerily prophetic speech that hinted at his assassination one day later. He also appeared to shred the veil between our perceived…
LULAC charges mismanagement of Oxnard gang suppression grants
The League of United Latin American Citizens is calling on the city of Oxnard to halt the practice of hiring former Oxnard Police Department Officials as “gang suppression” consultants and hire an external auditor to examine “perceived conflicts of interest,”…
Commentary: Why read multicultural literature?
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor Last month a survey found that nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults believe multicultural books are important for children, but one-third say they are hard to find. The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, a non-profit organization…
It was ‘Magic’ for Tri-Counties Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Program
Instructor opens the door of opportunity to high school students during MAGIC Camp for high school girls. Members of the Tri-Counties Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Program in Ventura, were thinking pink the week of July 15 at MAGIC Camp (Mentor…
Hensley to be honored Aug. 3
Jim Hensley of Jim Hensley Information Service, which produces a weekly “Events Log,” will be honored at the 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 weekly Stress, Health and Longevity class, held at 702 County Square Drive, Ventura, in the Cabrillo Economic…
Lacayo named grand marshal of Ventura County Fair Parade
Henry “Hank” Lacayo will be the grand marshal of the 2011 Ventura County Fair Parade. The parade will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 on Main Street in downtown Ventura. He was selected by the board of directors…
Bilingual update: Teatro to hold casting call Aug. 1, 2 and 3
Teatro de las Americas will hold a casting call for the play “Adán, Eva, y la otra,” at 7 p.m. Aug. 1, 2 and 3 at 816 Wagon Wheel Road, Oxnard. The play, directed by Ángela Cruz, will be presented…
Mexican Consulate posts latest video update
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has released its latest video update. *** El nuevo Boletín Digital Consultanos es una herramienta audiovisual que provee información sobre las actividades del Consulado. Click here for a link to the video
Commentary: Expectations
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Our minds generally are responsible for determining how “happy” we are in life, assuming we have enough to eat and shelter from the weather, though I have seen homeless people who are happier than…
The real models to roll with…
Picture this: Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Snookie, The Kardashians, The Girls of the Playboy Mansion… as our current role models. Don’t our young people deserve better than learning about bizarre sex scandals, open promiscuity, drugs and…
Commentary: Searching for Aztlán, Part II
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor In my article last week, the first regarding the search for Aztlán, I mentioned that I first heard about this mysterious place during my college years. Since I was an engineering major, and not a…