Teatro de las Américas continues its series of Readers’ Theater in May. The second production of the series is Yerma by Fedecrico García Lorca, the eminent Spanish poet and playwright. Yerma is a tragedy with a single theme (the sterile…
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."
Mexican Consulate to present consulate services, health fair, toys on April 30
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will present consulate services and a health fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at 3151 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. The program includes information on Matrículas Consulares, passports, civil registration and Notary…
CSU Channel Islands to host Social Justice in Education event on April 30
The 3rd Annual Conference for Social Justice in Education at CI, a gathering of Ventura County teachers and learners to share, plan, discuss, question, compare, support, and change what we do to achieve equity in our schools, will be held from 8:30 a.m.…
El Centrito to hold ‘Gran Baile de Primavera’ on April 30
El Centrito Family Learning Center will present its annual “Gran Baile de Primavera” at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Casa Lopez Mexican Restaurant & Banquet Center, 325 So. A St., Oxnard. Funds raised will support El Centrito’s successful educational…
Children’s Day/Dia de los Niños set for April 30 in Oxnard
Children’s Day, Dia de los Niños, with the Mixteco/ Indigena Community Organizing Project!, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard, the organization reported recently in a media release. “The…
Latino Links: Technology Trends
Hispanics online tend to be younger, use the Internet more when making purchasing decisions and prefer English-language online media, according to results from a new survey conducted by AOL Advertising in partnership with the consulting group Cheskin Added Value. Hispanics…
Bands announced for July 30-31 Oxnard Salsa Festival
An electrifying blend of Salsa, Latin, and Cuban sounds will fill downtown Oxnard with excitement and sizzling sounds during the 18th annual Oxnard Salsa Festival, July 30-31, 2011 at Plaza Park, Fifth and “B” Streets, in downtown Oxnard, festival organizers…
Author/columnist Lopez to speak April 25 in Thousand Oaks
Distinguished Speakers Series presents Steve Lopez, 8 p.m., Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. The award-winning journalist and author of “The Soloist” joined the staff of the Los Angeles Times in May 2001 after…
Latino Business Expo VIP mixer set for April 25
The VIP mixer for the Latino Business Expo will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 25 at The Kitchen Craft Beer Brewery & Bakery, 529 So. A St., Oxnard. This is the last chance to get free tickets to…
ARTS Obispo extends ‘Open Studios’ deadline for artist until April 25
Artists from all over San Luis Obispo County have until Monday, April 25 to submit their application for the 2011 Open Studios Art Tour (OSAT), the 13th annual three-weekend visual art event taking place throughout the County this October, ARTS…
Deadline is April 29 for Teatro art contest
Teatro de las Américas announces an art contest to create the logo for its next production: “Yerma” by Federico García Lorca. Due to the fact that the play will be presented in late May, the deadline for submission is April…
Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar open for Easter brunch on April 24
Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar in Oxnard will be officially open for Brunch on Sunday’s starting on Easter Sunday. Chef Martin Ledesma promises to bring style and creativity to the Sunday menus including all your traditional favorites of a carving…
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 Previous videos:
Guest column: Are we clinging to our jobs?
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist In a recent Beetle Bailey cartoon1 in my local newspaper, General Halftrack walks into headquarters and sees his two female secretaries in full party mode. He asks, “Champagne? Party hats? Decorations? What day is this?!”…
Vida Newspaper front page archive
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Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli de Veracruz to perform April 21-23
Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli de Veracruz performs regional dances of Mexico, in particular, from their state of Veracruz, (birthplace of the world famous “La Bamba”), April 21-23 in Santa Barbara County. Presented by ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara!, the free…
Latino Peace Officers to hold scholarship banquet on April 23
The National Latino Peace Officers Association — Ventura County Chapter, 8th annual scholarship banquet, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at the Crown Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel, 450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. Sheriff Geoff Dean…
Professor Briseno to speak on technology, ‘Si, Se, Puede: Succeeding in the Face of Adversity’ on April 20 at CSUCI
Alejandro Briseno, assistant professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, will speak on “The Future of Power and Energy Through Nanotechnology” from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at the Martin V. Smith Center for Integrative Decision-Making,…
Das Williams to speak on April 20 in Santa Paula
Assemblymember Das Williams, D-35th, will speak on his “Save Public Libraries” bill at a no-host dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at Vince’s Coffee Shop, 827 E. Main St., Santa Paula, 805.525.0314. Presented by the Santa Clara Valley Democratic…
CSU Channel Islands to hold career fair April 21
CSU Channel Islands will hold its 9th annual Career and Internship Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 21 at the John Spoor Broome Library Plaza. This is an opportunity for university undergraduate students to meet local businesses…
VC AIDS Partnership announces $68,000 in grants
Ventura County AIDS Partnership (VCAP) announces grants totaling $68,000 for HIV prevention services in Ventura County for 2011. This year, VCAP partners are not only receiving much needed funding to support their work, they are also benefitting from a six…
Latino Links: Media Trends
Hispanicize and Univision Communications are teaming up to provide free in-depth communications training to non-profits serving Latino communities through the program “Latino Social Media for Social Good.” The second annual program consists of free Hispanic social media and communications trainings…
Teatro to present ‘Reader’s Theater Series’ April 15-17
Teatro de las Américas is presenting a series of Readers’ Theater in April, May, and June 2011. The series opener is the presentation of one-act plays including two written by Luis Valdez, the founder of Teatro Campesino: “El soldado razo”…
Danza Mexica group to hold rummage sale fundraiser April 16 in Ventura
The Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc Rummage Sale Fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 No. Ventura Ave., Ventura. “We are trying to raise money to pay rent at Bell…
“Wine/Art Trail” to be held April 17 in downtown Oxnard
Oxnard Rotary, along with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oxnard and Port Hueneme’s Young Professionals Network, will hold its 3rd annual “Wine/Art Trail — Rediscovering Downtown Oxnard,” on from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17 in Oxnard. Presented…
Oaxacan ‘Guelaguetza’ festival to be held April 17 in Oxnard
Guelaguetza, the traditional Oaxacan festival, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17 at Haycox Elementary School, 5400 Perkins Road, Oxnard, the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project reports. Hosted by Club Ñuu Savi, the event features food,…
Oxnard College Fire Academy holds Spring graduation
The Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy cadets, Battalion 35, had its Spring Semester graduation on April 9, at the college’s Camarillo Airport Fire Technology facility. Congratulating the cadets were members of the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees,…
Guest column: World War II fathers
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist A few weeks ago I was meeting with two of my literary friends. One of the writers was telling us about the contentious relationship she had had with her father, who had since died, but…
Rios gets commendation from City of Oxnard
Newly crowned WBA lightweight champ Brandon Rios received a commendation April 12 from the city of Oxnard for becoming its newest world champion. Rios, who won the title Feb. 26 from Miguel Acosta in what is being considered a candidate for…
Mexican Consulate donates textbooks to area educators
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard donated 40,000 in textbooks on March 18 in Oxnard. The donations from the Mexican government were made to 70 representatives from area school districts, health clinics, nonprofit organizations, churches, libraries, colleges and immigration clubs in…
Paragon Studios presents model training starting April 16
Natty Rios-Sipes reports that Paragon Studios — International Model & Talent Management, will begin its new talent training session from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 16 in Oxnard. Modeling, acting, beauty care / image, etiquette, leadership, personal development and…
CSU Channel Islands announces budget cuts
CSU Channel Islands will be eliminating positions, reducing staff appointments and trimming its operating budget due to $3.8 million in budget cuts for the institution during the 2011-12 academic year, the university reported Monday. The cuts are part of the…
Commentary: Americans’ investment sentiment revealed
Americans believe technology and gold will be top-performing investments in 2011 As Americans move past the economic downturn and begin considering plans for investing in the coming year, many believe that technology stocks and gold will set the pace for…
Cabrillo to offer bilingual estate planning workshop on April 14
Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. is offering a free one-hour estate planning workshop “What you need to know for family protection and peace of mind” in English and Spanish on Thursday, April 14 at Cabrillo Economic Development Corp., 702 County Square Drive, Ventura. Presented…
Latino Links: Education Trends
Efforts to close the achievement gap in early childhood education between Latinos and other ethnic groups are faltering due in part to the nation’s economic recession. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley report that the percentage of Latino children…
CSU Channel Islands to host Children’s Reading Celebration on April 9
Event features ‘Young Authors’ Fair’ CSU Channel Islands will host the 6th Annual Children’s Reading Celebration and the 35th Annual Young Authors’ Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at the university’s John Spoor Broome Library. The…
El Concilio presents award to Edison International
El Concilio Family Services recognized Edison International for its outstanding community service at El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards gala on March 26 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, the organization reported this week. El Concilio board member Hank Lacayo presented…
Movie review: To love or hate “The Adjustment Bureau”
By Mariana Llamas-Cendon / Amigos805.com I recently read the opinions of critics about “The Adjustment Bureau” and I found them a bit unbalanced and in fact, quite uncertain. “The Adjustment Bureau” stars Matt Damon and Emily Blunt and is based…
Guest column: Keys and souls
By David Magallanes / guest columnist Some of my best ideas occur to me as I run. I’ve been an avid runner since my teen years. As long as I can keep enough focus on running while I’m thinking to…
Gutierrez captures more images from El Concilio awards
Photojournalist Jess Gutierrez captured images from El Concilio Family Services 22nd Annual Latino Leadership Awards held March 26 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Plaza. The awards focused this year on educators who make a difference in the community. The award…
‘Oxnard March for Rights’ set for April 10
The “Oxnard March for Rights” begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 10 at Del Sol Park, corner of Rose and Camino del Sol avenues, in La Colonia neighborhood of Oxnard. Organizers said the event features the United Farm Workers union and…
Mexican Consulate to present Mask exhibit, workshop April 8
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will present an exhibit and workshop for the “Masks of Artist Berta Alicia Juárez” at 6 p.m. Friday, April 8 at 3151 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. RSVP to Consul Ramon Carrillo de Albornoz at 805.984.2162,…
Mexican revolution photo exhibit reception set for April 7 in Santa Barbara
The Consul of Mexico in Oxnard is pleased to invite you to the opening reception of the photographic exhibition from the “Casasola Archives” on the subject of the Mexican Revolution at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7 at Casa de la…
Art Pub newsletter touts Oxnard’s growing art movement
“A movement is afoot in Downtown Oxnard. In recognizing art and culture as powerful tools for connecting people to each other and to a city, we are developing an arts district in the area,” said Tracy Hudak, the recently appointed arts…
Marta Peluso, ARTS Obispo’s executive director, steps down
The board of directors of ARTS Obispo / San Luis Obispo County Arts Council accepted the resignation of its executive director, Marta Peluso, the organization reported this week in a media release. Peluso has lead the organization for five years,…
Mexican Consulate posts latest video update
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has released its latest video update. Click here for the link to the video *** El nuevo Boletín Digital Consultanos es una herramienta audiovisual que provee información sobre las actividades del Consulado.
Williams takes part in Dolores Huerta Foundation fundraiser
Assemblymember Das Williams, (D-CA 35th District), took part in a fundraiser for the Dolores Huerta Foundation held March 15 in Sacramento. *** Asambleísta Das Williams, fotografiado aquí con la destacada activista Dolores Huerta, donde compartió el foro y algunas palabras junto con varios…
WBA champ Rios shares new Belt with youth in Oxnard
Newly crowned WBA lightweight boxing champ Brandon Rios meet with youth from the Oxnard Boys and Girls club on March 30. Rios shared his life story with the youth including his troubled times while living in Garden City, Kansas, Manuel…
Latino Links: Health Trends
Latino health is being examined in a book series. “The new Buena Salud book series presents the latest Latino health information and medical advances about individual diseases and conditions in a warm and conversational tone.” Written by Dr. Jane L.…
Artist Cantine Art Gallery will present ‘Bohemian Nights’ on April 2
The Artist Cantine Art Gallery will present “Bohemian Nights starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at the Palms Outlet Center, 2100 Outlet Center Drive, Suite 370, Oxnard. “Come and join us for our monthly (1st Saturday of every month) celebration of…
In Stone to perform April 2 at Sugar Beets
In Stone will be performing starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar, 455 So. A St., Oxnard. For dinner reservations, call 805.240.7777. Click here for more information.
Guest column: Just who do we think we are?
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist I’m fascinated by the whole topic of personal uniqueness. We’re all somewhat aware of it. Certainly, everyone in our home or in our office or in our classroom is different. In fact, very different,…
Avila photography solo exhibit set for April 1 in Ventura
The reception for “… to take a good picture,” the Carlos Avila Photography Solo Exhibit, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 1 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 No. Ventura Ave., Ventura. The lecture will begin…
Healthcare Reform celebrates one-year anniversary
Attendees celebrate the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act during a presentation held March 28 at the Oxnard Public Library in Oxnard. “The health care law has provided critical benefits for families, seniors, and small businesses…
Community celebrates El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards
It was a full house when El Concilio Family Services presented its 22nd Latino Leadership Awards on March 26 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The awards this year focused on educators who make a difference in the community. The…
Community attends Braceros presentation at Museum of Ventura County
Jose Alamillo, a professor at CSU Channel Islands, speaks with Port Hueneme Mayor Sylvia Muñoz Schnopp during the presentation “The Braceros of Ventura County,” a traveling exhibit in collaboration with California State University Channel Islands, illustrating the impact of the…
Robert Lopez purchases Topa Tower Club
After 24 years of service and dedication to the Topa Tower Club, Robert Lopez, who most recently served as the club’s general manager, has purchased the private member city club in Oxnard, Consortium Media Services reported March 30 in a media release.…
El Centrito presenting Parent Promoters of Education Conference starting April 1
El Centrito Family Learning Centers will present its free Parent Promoters of Education Conference in Spanish from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 1, 2 and 8 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 144 So.“C” St., Oxnard. The parent-to-parent training model is designed…
Arts Obispo presents monthly artwalk April 1
ARTS Obispo will present its monthly first Friday “Arts After Dark” artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 1 in downtown San Luis Obispo. The event features an exhibit of established and emerging local artists in 28 venues including…
CAUSE reports library services bill gains supporters
The Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) is a sponsor for a bill introduced by Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) that would give communities a voice on how their public libraries are run, the organization reported this…
Das Williams reports on more funds for small business loans
The State Treasurer’s office is expanding its loans to small businesses through the California Capital Access Program (CalCAP), Assemblymember Das Williams, 35th district, reported Tuesday, March 29. CalCAP encourages Banks, Credit Unions, Savings Institutions, and Community Development Financial Institutions to make…
Shirt sales support Little Stingers Wrestling Club
Fernando Carmona of First Impression Printing in Oxnard could be found Saturday morning, March 27 in front of the Oxnard High School gymnasium at a booth helping to sell tee-shirts and other items in support of the Little Stingers Wrestling…
Kilpatrick’s “Hope” exhibit opens March 29 in Ventura
The exhibit “Hope,” featuring the work of Hilda Kilpatrick, will be presented March 29 through April 23 at the Buenaventura Art Gallery, 700 E. Santa Clara, Ventura. A reception will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Kilpatrick’s…
Ventura College to celebrate César Chávez Day on March 30
“Across the San Joaquin Valley, across California, across the entire nation, wherever there are injustices against men and women and children who work in the fields-there you will see our flags-with the black eagle with the white and red background,…
Expert to discuss Chicana/o art on March 31 at CLU
Changes in Chicana/o art through the years will be highlighted during a lecture from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at California Lutheran University, the university reported in a media release. Charlene Villaseñor Black will present “Chicana/o Art: Tradition…
Guest column: Roses for a daughter
On the day before Valentine’s Day last month, I took roses to my married daughter. I buy her flowers every Valentine’s Day because I want to show her that I honor her, and that I will always love her, more…
Young Professional Network holding mixer March 24 in Oxnard
The Young Professional Network will present a mixer from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at The Kitchen, 529 So. A St., Oxnard. The event includes a special Wine & Art Trail ticket giveaway. For more information, rsvp to…
Santa Paula holds reception for 74th Annual Art and Photography Show on March 26
Xavier ‘Big X’ Montes of the De Colores Art Gropu reports he will be performing at the reception for 74th Annual Art and Photography Show from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 26 at the Santa Paula Blanchard Library, 119…
MICOP seeking volunteers for March 26 community meeting
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is seeking volunteers to work with small groups to provide literacy training for this weekend’s monthly community meeting. The community meeting will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26 at Harrington Elementary…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Alex Rivera
Editor’s note: Amigos805 is presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the community.…
MusicaLatitudes presenting concert March 27 honoring César Chávez
Los Ministerios de Latinos y Latinas de la Iglesia Presbiteriana de Pasadena y MusicaLatitudes is presenting “César Chávez: Por mis frutos me conocerán,” a concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 27 at Iglesia Presbiteriana de Pasadena, 585 E. Colorado Blvd.,…
Braceros — soldiers in the fields
World War II-era program has impact to this very day. Exhibit opens March 24. By Mariana Llamas-Cendon /Amigos805.com The Bracero Program had a profoundly personal impact on the life of Jose Alamillo. His father, grandfather and other family members left…
Rio Mesa’s Safe & Sober After-Prom Party seeking donations for yard sale on April 2
Rio Mesa High School is seeking donations for its inaugural yard sale to benefit the school’s 16th annual Safe & Sober After-Prom Party. The yard sale will be held April 2. Parents and students can drop donations at the large…
Ventura College East Campus holds ‘Expo ’11” on March 24
The Ventura College East Campus will hold “Expo ’11” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at 115 Dean Drive, Suite A, Santa Paula. Exhibitors will provide information on community programs, student services, activities and clubs, with the…
Social Justice Fund presents Teen Multimedia Contest
March 26 is the deadline to submit entries to the Teen Multimedia Contest being presented by the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, the organization reported recently. Open to teens 13 to 18 years of age, the winning work will…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Pilar Pacheco
Editor’s note: Amigos805 is presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the community.…
Rio School District to hold Dual Immersion Academy information meeting March 22
Parents of incoming kindergarten students are invited to learn about the Rio School District’s Dual Immersion Academy at an information meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 22 at Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenney St., Oxnard, the district reported in a media release. Open to students countywide, the Dual Immersion Academy begins in…
Guest column: Cosmic laws
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist I’ll admit, I was not a normal adolescent. As a teenager growing up in a Los Angeles suburb, I would spend hours underneath the night sky. Or at least as “night” as it would get…
Future Leaders presenting program for women March 19
Future Leaders of America presenta “El Desarrollo de la Mujer.” Como madres y estudiantes, es importante contar con las habilidades de liderazgo necesarias para tener éxito en su vida familiar, escuela, trabajo, comunidad, y otras áreas de la vida. El…
Castañeda presenting at event on March 20
Enedina Castañeda, a Santa Maria Valley educator and author of Del Puño y Mente de Una Mujer…Poemas,” will be among a group of women participating in the “Mujeres Con Valor” conference from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 20 at…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Lupe Murillo
Editor’s note: Amigos805 is presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the community.…
Free VITA tax services set for March 18 at Oxnard College
Free tax preparation services for taxpayers with annual incomes of $49,000 or less will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 18 at Oxnard College, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Room CSSC-101, Oxnard, Assemblymember Das Williams, 35th District, reported…
Oxnard, Port Hueneme students submit entries to Strawberry Festival
Forty-five teachers and 727 elementary school students from the Port Hueneme School District and Oxnard School District have submitted entries for the 28th Annual California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest, the organization reported this week. The winner will receive…
Luis Valdez ‘From the roots’ set for March 15 at CSUCI
The Chicana/o Studies Performance and Teatrics Lecture Series presents playwright, director and founder of El Teatro Campesino Luis Valdez during the program “From the roots: The flowering of El Teatro Campesino,” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 at California State…
VCCF accepting proposals for farmworker housing grant
The Ventura County Community Foundation’s Fund for Farmworker Housing is accepting proposals from local organizations to help alleviate the local farmworker housing crisis, the organization reported in a media release. The majority of the $135,000 available will go to projects…
Film screening, photo exhibit on Mexican Revolution set for March 16, 17 at CSUCI
A film screening and opening reception for the exhibit “Mexico, the Revolution and Beyond,” will be held March 16 and 17 at California State University, Channel Islands. The university’s history program will join the Mexican Consulate in the English-language screening…
Healthcare Town Hall Meeting set for March 14
Gold Coast Health Plan will present a Town Hall Meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 14 at Clinicas de Camino Real Inc., 200 So. Wells Road, Suite 100, Ventura. The program will include information on changes that will affect individual…
UCSB Arts & Lectures honored for ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! partnership
UCSB Arts & Lectures has been awarded the 2011 Association of Performing Arts Presenters/MetLife Arts Access Award for Engaging Underserved Communities in recognition of its ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! partnership, UCSB reported in a media release. ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara!…
Guest column: Why did he paint?
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist I was at home one day this past week, immersed in tasks (I tend to dive—headfirst—right into them) that I was knocking off my to-do list when my cousin Phil called. Phil and I grew…
Ruiz wins first bout at Golden Gloves Tournament
Andy Ruiz of Oxnard has won his first bout at the Southern Calif Golden Gloves Tournament held March 8 at the Lincoln Park recreation center in Los Angeles, Manuel Herrera reported in a media release. With a score of 5-0,…
Speakers sought for Moorpark College’s Multicultural Day
Moorpark College is seeking presenters for its annual Multicultural Day 2011 to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 12. The event, “Celebrating a Wealth of Culture,” presents an annual alternative day of instruction features insightful lectures, breathtaking performances,…
Immigration panel discussion set for March 9 in Thousand Oaks
The Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley will present a moderator-led immigration forum beginning with a reception at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 at the Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Confirmed speakers include immigration attorney Gabriella Navarro-Busch;…
Enrique’s Journey author to speak March 9 at Moorpark College
Sonia Nazario, author of Enrique’s Journey, will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 at Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road, in the campus dining room. Enrique’s Journey, the 2010-11 One Campus One Book Selection, is about a teen who decides to pursue…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Joseph M. Medina
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
NBC News correspondent to talk at CLU
Miguel Almaguer, an award-winning national correspondent for NBC News, will speak at 7 p.m. Monday, March 7 in Samuelson Chapel at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Almaguer will discuss his experiences as a journalist and how he worked his…
Latino Links: Health Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com While 99 percent of Latinos in California over the age of 50 are concerned about having access to affordable health care, only 34 percent believe they have the amount of coverage they need, according…
Guest column: Poverty and language
By David Magallanes / Guest Columnist I’ve lived around both English and Spanish all my life. I can’t help but feel that the Spanish language is much more conscious of poverty than is English. I believe that poverty is wired…
Lois Capps: House budget bad for California’s security
Cuts to port and border security endanger safety and hurt economy The seven month spending bill passed by the House last month would weaken California’s security by reducing funding for critical security grant programs, Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, stated…
Das Williams: Help me balance the budget
Dear Friends, Last weekend we held our first town hall meeting in Ventura concerning the budget. The nonprofit, Next 10, demonstrated their California Budget Challenge, which allowed attendees to vote on Governor Brown’s proposals to balance the budget. The Ventura…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Fundi Legohn
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Latino Links: Political Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com While the DREAM Act failed to gain approval from the U.S. Congress, Latinos going to the polls in 2012 are expected to remember the failed proposal and the inability by both parties to achieve…
Lacayo Institute receives $100,000 grant from Verizon
Verizon has presented a $100,000 grant to expand the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at CSU Channel Islands, Richard R. Rush, university president, reported in a media release. “We are pleased to have an…
Destino accepting grant applications to prepare college students
Destino: The Hispanic Legacy Fund is accepting proposals from local nonprofits so it can distribute $57,000 in grants for programs to boost college preparedness for Latino youth in Ventura County, the organization reported recently in a media release. The deadline…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Art Hernandez
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Latino Links: Business/Finance Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The nation’s sluggish economy has had a significant impact on mortgage lending to Latinos, while the community is getting tax time help in Spanish. The Chicago Sun Times reports that lending to Hispanics plummets…
Guest column: The Mexican Experience of an American
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist Tonight I attended a rosary for the father of some friends that I have known for many years. These friends make up a large American family of Mexican origins with an honorable reputation in the…
Public continues to oppose changing ‘Birthright Citizenship’
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While Arizona Republican lawmakers ponder a variety of legislative bills aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigration in the state, a Pew Research Center Poll released Feb. 24 continues to show the American public…
Community celebrates Flor y Canto in Guadalupe
Poets, musicians and community members from San Luis Obispo and several neighboring counties took part in the Raza Speaks: Flor y Canto celebration held Feb 19 at the the Guadalupe Cultural Arts & Education Center in the city of Guadalupe.…
Latino Links: Political Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The economy, immigration and other hot button issues continue to impact the perceptions Latinos have when supporting Republicans or Democrats, according to a recent poll. Meanwhile, in a demographic trend that could be repeated…
Rosary services set for Phillip F. ‘Phil the Barber’ Marquez
Rosary services for Phillip F. Marquez will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at the San Buenaventura Mission, Ventura. Known as “Phil the Barber,” Marquez died at his home in Ventura on Feb. 15, after a brief illness with…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Carmen Guerrero
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Boys & Girls Club of Ventura seeks community speakers
The Boys & Girls Club of Ventura is seeking community leaders to “share their life experiences, skills, talents and what it takes to become contributing, happy citizens of the community” through the club’s twice weekly “Speakers Series,” Dr. Susanne Lammot,…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Javier Gomez
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Latino Links: Education Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com This is also a good time of year for Latinos to consider their educational options. Many organizations are accepting applications for scholarships and grants for would-be college students. www.hispanicprwire.com recently published the release “Tips…
Guest column: The craft of wishing
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist I’ve always enjoyed walking through a bookstore, perusing the books on the shelves, just as I used to do as a child when my father would take me with him to the Los Angeles…
Young Leaders Society presenting Prom Dress Project
The Young Leaders Society has officially launched the annual Prom Dress Project, a prom dress recycling program for underprivileged students. The deadline to drop off prom dresses is Feb. 27, reported the Young Leaders Society, a program of the United…
Dr. Priscilla Partridge de Garcia to be featured workshop leader
Dr. Priscilla Partridge de Garcia, a Ventura County cinical psychologist, marriage and family therapist, will be a featured workshop leader for the March 11 USC Women’s Conference “Express, Encourage, Inspire”. She will be joining a plastic surgeon and a nutritionist…
CSU Channel Islands develops programs to prepare future university students
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com After years of planning, which included proposals to build on land overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Ventura and on farmland near the California Youth Authority in Camarillo, it was with great relief and excitement…
MICOP seeking literacy tutors
The Mixtec Advisory Committee 2011 is seeking volunteers for its new community-wide literacy effort. “Many Mixtec adults were unable to complete significant schooling as children, and many are unable to write their names, addresses or basic information,” Margaret Sawyer, executive…
Rio Mesa’s Folklórico Club seeking donations
The Rio Mesa High School Folklórico Club is seeking donations to pay for costumes so the group can perform at the Rio Mesa Dance Show “Switch It Up,” on May 6, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The club has previously…
Sister City Committee holding fundraiser Feb. 16
The Oxnard-Ocotlán Sister City Committee is presenting a fundraiser to benefit visitation programs between the two cities from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe, 1601 So. Victoria Ave., Oxnard. Yolanda’s will donate 20 percent of…
Latino Links: Health Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com Maintaining a healthy heart and protecting yourself during the flu season are a couple of health trending reports released recently. In recognition of American Heart Month, Hispanicprwire.com recently released “Celebrating Healthy Hearts in the…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Elmelda P. Almanza
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Teatro de las Américas presents Actors’ workshop in Spanish
Teatro de las Américas is presenting an Actors’ Workshop in Spanish for persons of all ages, no experience needed. Beginning Thursday, March 3, the workshop will meet from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Teatro de las Américas’…
Latino Links: Digital Media Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The power of Latinos on the Internet is being debated in couple of reports released recently. Latinos are less likely than whites to access the Internet, have a home broadband connection or own a…
Guest column: Putting out fires, or lighting up our world?
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist In his book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen Covey challenges his readers to consider using his “Time Management Matrix,” which consists of four quadrants. We can occupy our time performing tasks…
Limoneira president to speak Feb. 11 at CSU Channel Islands
Harold S. Edwards, president and CEO of the Limoneira Co., will be a featured speaker at California State University, Channel Islands on Friday, Feb. 11. Edwards is appearing as part of the spring speaker series presented by the Martin V.…
Valentine’s dance on Feb. 12 to benefit missionaries
Los Misioneros de Espiritu Santo present “Cena Baile de Gala 2011″ from 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Entertainment includes Animando Grupo “Los Teknicos.” Admission is $50. The event…
Mexican Consulate offering free Spanish-language textbooks
The government of México is presenting its “The 2011 Free Spanish Textbooks Program” to local educators and educational institutions, the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard reported this week. “This is a important tool for educators who are looking to improve their relationship…
CSUCI’s program seeks to make parks relevant to diverse youth community
California State University, Channel Islands working with National Parks Service in increase access Minority youth often have little history using parks for recreation and other outdoor activities. To reverse that trend, the National Parks Service Foundation is teaming up with…
Commentary: The ebb and flow of immigration to the U.S.
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The number of undocumented immigrants coming the U.S. remained virtually unchanged in 2010 (11.2 million) over the prior year, according to new estimates by the Pew Hispanic Center. While the report focused on the…
‘Come Together’ talk set for Feb. 8 at UCSB
The panel discussion “Come Together, Interethnic collaborations for equity and social change in the 1970s,” will be presented at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Lounge, Santa Barbara. This panel discussion is presented…
Garcia Boxing Academy receives van from Barber Ford
Photo courtesy of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy A custom van with a special van wrap mural was donated by Barber Ford in Ventura to the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy during a ceremony held Feb. 3 at the academy in…
Oxnard celebrates swearing in of new police chief
By Jess Gutierrez / Special to Amigos805 “It’s nice to say ‘chief,’ and it’s a female,” said Oxnard Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Irene Pinkard loudly during the recent swearing in of Oxnard’s new Police Chief Jeri Williams, the first…
Guest Column: Our thoughts, our money, our life
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, lifestyle is defined as “A way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group.” A…
Commentary: Community advocate shared her strong spirit on a number of causes
Memorial service set for Feb. 5 for Avie Guerra By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It was with much sadness that we learned this week of the passing of Marie Avelina Guerra. “Avie,” as we all knew her, was a strong…
FOOD Share launches ‘Tackle Hunger Super Bowl’ food drive
FOOD Share has launched its Tackle Hunger Super Bowl food drive, encouraging high school students, sports groups and the Associated Student Body to help collect 25,000 pounds of food from now through Feb. 28, Ventura County’s regional food bank reported…
Barber Ford donating custom van to Garcia Boxing on Feb. 3
A custom van with a special van wrap mural will be donated by Barber Ford in Ventura to the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard for transportation of the youth to boxing tournaments, Joe Chavez, Barber’s finance manager reported this…
ARTS Obispo presents monthly artwalk Feb. 4
ARTS Obispo will present its monthly first Friday “Arts After Dark” artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 in downtown San Luis Obispo. The event features an exhibit of established and emerging local artists in a record-breaking 32…
Arpex performs Feb. 4-6 in Santa Barbara
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! will present free concerts by Arpex, Conjunto de Arpa Grande de Michoacan, at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 at Isla Vista School; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Theater Royal in Guadalupe and 7…
Identity discussion set planned for Feb. 3 in Santa Barbara
The discussion “Let’s talk about identity! What makes you who you are” with Cristina González, will be presented at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Lounge, Santa Barbara. The facilitated conversation will focus…
Immigration talk set for Feb. 1 in Santa Barbara
The discussion”Arizona in Santa Barbara?,” will be presented at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Theater, Santa Barbara. This is a tense moment for immigrant rights, not only in Arizona but throughout the nation.…
‘Women Beyond Borders’ exhibit opens Jan. 31
“Women Beyond Borders: What’s a Box Got to Do With It? Reflections on the Body” will be on display Jan. 31 through March 14 at the John Spoor Broome Library at California State University, Channel Islands. A free public reception and guided tours will…
California Strawberry Festival awards scholarships
The non-profit California Strawberry Festival has awarded $6,000 in scholarships to deserving students throughout Ventura County, Sumiko Kato reported recently. Kato is a board member and scholarship chairman of the Dr. Kato Scholarship Award Committee. Giving back is a part of the…
Rio School District accepting applications
The Rio School District is accepting applications for open enrollment, intra-district transfers Feb. 1 through March 1, the district reported in a media release. Intra-district transfers are transfers requested by resident district students who wish to enroll at a school site other…
MICOP seeking volunteers Jan. 28 for monthly community meeting
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is seeking volunteers to help package foods and participate in children’s programs for this weekend’s monthly community meeting. Volunteers will meet at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 So. Gisler St.,…
Young Leaders Society holding mixer Jan. 27
The Young Leaders Society will hold its Post Holiday Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Carnegie Art Museum, 424 So. C St., Oxnard. Reservations are due by Jan. 25. For more information, contact Pedro A.…
Health forum set for Jan. 27 in Oxnard
A health forum on obesity and influenza will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Ventura County Public Health, 2240 E. Gonzales Road, Suite 200, Oxnard. The guest speaker is Dr. Miguel Cervantes, director of…
‘New Faces of America’ performance set for Jan. 26 at CSUCI
In recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the Center for Multicultural Engagement at California State University, Channel Islands will host the performance “New Faces of America” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 in Malibu Hall. The performance…
‘…Underdevelopment’ film screening Jan. 26 at UCSB
The film screening “Memories of Underdevelopment” will be presented at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 at at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Theater, Santa Barbara. Sergio, a wealthy bourgeois aspiring writer, decides to stay in Cuba even though…