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."

Guest commentary: A scholar — Ruminations

¡Qué catedrático ni qué demonios! no eres más que un maestro!  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…

California LULAC applauds Gov. Brown for nominating Mariano-Florentino Cuellar to serve on California Supreme Court

Confirmation would add only Latino serving on the California Supreme Court in a state with the largest ethnic group being Latino CAMARILLO – The California State Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens – LULAC, applauds the Governor…

Guest commentary: A citizen’s view of a demonstration — More than 25

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 Frank P. Barajas / Guest contributor…

Bilingual commentary: Learning to swim

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 This…

Guest commentary: ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign ends Wednesday, July 23

By the United Way of Ventura County VENTURA COUNTY — Beep! Beep! We’re nearing the finish line and United Way of Ventura County is counting on your support for the fifth annual Stuff the Bus campaign! Please donate NEW school supplies between now and Wednesday, July 23. Look…

Guest commentary: How do we fight back? Turning the other cheek? Take a Toke?

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 Union High School District to present free ‘Mariachi Extravaganza’ performance on July 23 at Oceanview Pavilion

PORT HUENEME — The Oxnard Union High School District’s Mariachi Program will present the free “Mariachi Extravaganza” performance from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 at the Oceanview Pavilion, 575 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme. The event features performances by…

Shattering Stereotypes: Book by UCSB professor Mario García offers young Latinos a new narrative

By Sonia Fernandez / UCSB Alma Cortez-Lara immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was very young, and lived the life of the child of migrant workers. She lived in poor neighborhoods and learned English, serving as the…

Young engineers show off skills at the ‘CI Spaghetti Bridge Competition and Celebration’

CAMARILLO — Students from Hueneme High School celebrated their completion of four challenging weeks of college-level engineering courses at CSU Channel Islands (CI) by breaking bridges they’ve worked hard to build during the “CI Spaghetti Bridge Competition and Celebration.” The 40 seniors…

Bilingual commentary: A swinging tribute to the Greatest Generation

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 As…

VCCF donors award nearly $1.3 million in scholarships to Ventura County students

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded nearly $1.3 million in scholarships at the recent Scholarship Awards Reception at the Ventura County Office of Education, attended by more than 400 students, their families and the donors who made the…

Guest commentary: On being a Chicano intellectual …

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 I…

Final weekend for Teatro de las América’s ‘Pedro Infante y la suegra triunfante – Pedro Infante and the Triumphant Mother-in-law’

OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas to present “Pedro Infante y la suegra triunfante – Pedro Infante and the Triumphant Mother-in-law” through July 12 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building’s Black Box Theater, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The…

Bilingual commentary: The death of a parent

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 Assuming…

Guest column: EI Diablo Nunca duerme so play on!

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.   The devil never sleeps,…

July cover story: No summer break for learning

By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 One key to success in higher education is early exposure to college and university life. If young people also happen really enjoy what they are doing during that exposure — all the better. College…

El Centrito launching STEAM Summer Camp program

OXNARD — El Centrito Family Learning Centers is launching its 2014 STEAM Academy, which offers hands-on learning opportunities that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Mathematics (STEAM). The STEAM Summer Camp will serve 75 students in grades 3 through…

Bilingual commentary: Student hopes and dreams

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 Throughout…

Local news briefs

CAMARILLO — A grant from Edison International, parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE), will fund student scholarships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and an energy conservation innovation lab at CSU Channel Islands (CI), university officials reported June…

CSU Channel Islands’ Henry L. Lacayo Institute receives Edison International grant

CAMARILLO — A grant from Edison International, parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE), will fund student scholarships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and an energy conservation innovation lab at CSU Channel Islands (CI), university officials reported Wednesday in a…

Business: How to impress when hosting a business dinner

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Hosting a business dinner is both an honor and a responsibility. Employers typically entrust only their most valued employees with the responsibility of hosting a business dinner, and such opportunities are not to be taken…

Local business information

> Women’s Economic Ventures will present a series of free one-hour orientation sessions” from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 in Buellton; Thursday, July 10 in Santa Barbara; Tuesday, July 15 in Santa Barbara; and from noon to 1…

Health: Keep skin healthy by knowing sunscreen facts

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The best way to care for skin is to be smart about sun exposure. Too much unprotected exposure to the sun can cause a host of problems, from premature wrinkling to skin cancer. According to…

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

Guest commentary: Teacher Unions — California tenure law

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 Los…

Arcenio J. López becomes executive director of Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project

By Sandra Young / President MICOP Board of Directors OXNARD — Dear friends of MICOP, (June 25) we are officially announcing the realization of a twelve-year dream. As of July 1, 2014, Arcenio J. López takes the helm as Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project’s executive…

Allan Hancock College board of trustees approve Nohemy Ornelas as new vice president of student services

SANTA MARIA — Lompoc native Nohemy Ornelas’ journey through higher education officially came full circle when the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees approved her as the college’s new associate superintendent/vice president of Student Services during the board’s meeting, college…

Bilingual commentary: Coding for girls

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 An…

Teatro de las Américas to present “Pedro Infante y la suegra triunfante’ from June 27 through July 12

OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas will present “Pedro Infante y la suegra triunfante – Pedro Infante and the Triumphant Mother-in-law” from June 27 through July 12 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building’s Black Box Theater, 4000 S. Rose Ave.,…

Bilingual report: VCCDC to present ‘Homeownership Fair & Grand Opening Celebration’ on June 28 in Oxnard

OXNARD — The Ventura County Community Development Corporation will present a “Homeownership Fair & Grand Opening Celebration” from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28 at 2231 Sturgis Road, Suite A in Oxnard. “You have a dream of owning your…

Bilingual report: Organizacion Cultural Oaxaqueña Ñuu Savi to present ‘Guelaguetza Oxnard 2014’ on June 29

OXNARD — The Organizacion Cultural Oaxaqueña Ñuu Savi will present ‘Guelaguetza Oxnard 2014’ form 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday,  June 29 at Plaza Park, 500 S. C St., downtown Oxnard. The free event, sponsored by Clinicas del Camino Real Inc.…

Guest commentary: Identity — Are you a Mexican or an American first?

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 What…

Mexican Consulate to present ‘Jornada Sabatina y Dominical’ in Oxnard on June 21-22

OXNARD — The Mexican Consulate will present “Jornada Sabatina y Dominical y Feria de Salud” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22 at 3151 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. The program includes information on Matrículas Consulares, passports and…

Ventura County Public Health first in California to receive National Accreditation

Public Health Accreditation Board designation recognizes high-performing health departments VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) announced Thursday that it has achieved 5-year national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). VCPH is the first public health department…

Two Boys & Girls Club members headed to World Cup in Brazil

OXNARD — Two soccer-loving teens who help promote fitness at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) have been selected to serve as official U.S. Flag Bearers during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the organization…

Bilingual commentary: Dooming ourselves in California? — Part II

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…

Guest commentary: The talented ten percent

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 During…

2nd annual Job Fair to be held June 12 in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA — The California Employment Development Departement, in partnership with Santa Barbara County Workforce Investment Board, will present the “Second Annual Job Fair” from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 313 W. Tunnel,…