OXNARD — Rigoberto Vargas and Marvelle Berry have appointed to board of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, the organization reported this week in a media release. Vargas is public health director at the Ventura County Health…
Author: Amigos805.com
Frank X. Moraga is publisher / editor of Amigos805, providing information for and about the vibrant Latino community in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties — "Bringing cultures together by sharing information."
Bilingual commentary: Fighting with Finesse
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor We…
Guest commentary: Access — Coming Home
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…
Castañeda appointed as new executive director of El Centrito Family Learning Centers
OXNARD — The Board of Directors of El Centrito Family Learning Centers in Oxnard has announced the appointment of Joseph A. Castañeda as its executive director, the organization reported in a media release. Castañeda will lead the organization’s team in delivering…
Bell Arts Factory to present opening reception for Frank Romero exhibit on March 7
VENTURA — The VITA Art Center at the Bell Arts Factory will present the opening reception for Frank Romero exhibit from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 7 at 432 No. Ventura Ave., Ventura in Studio 30. The exhibit will continue…
‘From Hell to Healing — The Art of Vietnam Vets’ opening reception to be held at Bell Arts Factory on March 7
VENTURA — The City of Ventura, the Big Read and Bell Arts Factory will present “From Hell to Healing — The Art of Vietnam Vets” featuring the works of Vietnam veterans Jess Gutierrez, Orlando Menchaca, James Graca and Michael Arndt from 5:30…
Opening reception for ‘Mujer’ exhibit to be held at Bell Arts Factory on March 7
VENTURA — The Tool Room Gallery at the Bell Arts Factory will present the opening reception for “Mujer” from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 7 at 432 No. Ventura Ave., Ventura. The exhibit features the work of Judy Baca, Gayel…
Las Contemporañeas at the Museum of Ventura County to present inaugural Latina Short-Film Festival on March 8
VENTURA — Las Contemporañeas at the Museum of Ventura County will present the inaugural Latina Short-Film Festival (LSFF) on Saturday, March 8. The LSFF begins with a dessert and champagne reception from 6:30-7:15 p.m. followed by an award to keynote speaker,…
‘Beyond the Latino Sports Hero: The Role of Sports in Creating Communities, Networks and Identities’ to be presented in Simi Valley on March 8
SIMI VALLEY — CSU Channel Islands will present the Spring Lecture Series talk “Beyond the Latino Sports Hero: The Role of Sports in Creating Communities, Networks and Identities” at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at the Simi Valley Public Library,…
Latin Grammy Nominee QUATTRO to perform at Oxnard High School Band fundraiser on March 9
OXNARD — 14th Annual Latin Grammy Nominee for Best New Artist QUATTRO will partner with OMAG (Oxnard Music Advocacy Group) and the Oxnard High School Band in a fundraiser to support getting music programs back into local schools at 3 p.m.…
‘Latinologues’ to be held at Oxnard College on March 12
OXNARD — The Oxnard College Literature, Arts and Lecture Series will present “Latinologues” from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Award-winning actor-writer-director-producer-comedian Rick Najera will entertain the audience with monologues…
March cover story: Health care issues take centerstage
Affordable Care Act March 31 deadline, new health agency chief and health plan’s improvement of services top the list By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 With the deadline looming for open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace, the announcement of…
Business: Improving office productivity
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Productivity is paramount to a company’s success. A productive staff tends to meet or even exceed its goals, strengthening a company along the way. As a result, business owners often find themselves looking for ways…
More local business information
> California Lutheran University will present “The Equipped Mind,” a free public workshop to help entrepreneurs deal with the psychological issues that come with launching new businesses, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9, in Lundring Events Center on…
Health: Eyes on health: What your eyes can tell doctors
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) People who have been putting off eye examinations may want to call their ophthalmologist to schedule an appointment. That’s because vision checkups can do more than protect your eyes. By examining the eyes, doctors may…
UCSB Professor Sara Poot-Herrera is elected to Mexican Academy of Language
SANTA BARBARA — Sara Poot-Herrera, professor of Spanish and Portuguese and director of UC-Mexicanistas at UC Santa Barbara, has been elected a corresponding member of the Mexican Academy of Language, a cultural organization that aims to maintain the purity of the…
Leah Lacayo elected president of Ventura County Fair board
VENTURA — The board of directors of the Ventura County Fairgrounds has elected Leah Lacayo president, the organization reported in a media release. The board also elected Bonnie Weigel vice president. Lacayo is serving her second appointment to the board of…
Bilingual commentary: Desiderata — Part VII Achievements and Plans
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 American…
Ramon Ayala to perform on Feb. 21 at the Majestic Ventura Theater
VENTURA — The Majestic Ventura Theater will present Ramon Ayala in concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at 26 So. Chestnut St., Ventura. Tickets are $49 to $80. Call 805-653-0721 or visit http://www.venturatheater.net/event/435641-el-gran-silencio-inspector-ventura/ for more information.
Comedian Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias to perform Feb. 22 at Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — Comedian Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias to perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara. Iglesias is launching his 2014 world tour, “Unity Through Laughter” with stops across the U.S. and internationally…
Institute for Latino Performing Arts to present CBS Diversity Comedy Showcase on Feb. 22 at Oxnard College
OXNARD — The Oxnard College Institute for Latino Performing Arts presents “CBS Diversity Comedy Showcase” on Saturday, Feb. 22 in the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Auditorium, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. There is a 6 p.m. reception, followed by the main…
Guest commentary: Tickets now available for inaugural Latina Short Film Festival on March 8
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 Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Las…
‘Love, Hate and Everything in Between’ to be presented Feb. 14 at Café on A
OXNARD — The Valentine’s Day event ‘Love, Hate and Everything in Between’ will be presented from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 at Café on A, 438 So. A St., downtown Oxnard. Organized and curated by Gee Gee Ontiveros and…
UCSB Conference on Feb. 21-22 to examine the historiography of the Chicano Movement
Special guest panel will discuss ‘The Blowout Generation and Sal Castro’ By Andrea Estrada / UCSB In March 1968, thousands of Chicano students walked out of their East Los Angeles high schools to protest decades of inferior or discriminatory education…
Bilingual commentary: The enduring symbolism of roses
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 Valentine’s…
CSU Channel Islands’ Pilar Pacheco receives statewide award for excellence in community engagement
CAMARILLO — Pilar Pacheco, associate director of the Center for Community Engagement at CSU Channel Islands, has earned a prestigious statewide recognition for her impact on service-learning and campus-community partnerships throughout Ventura County and the CSU system, the university reported Thursday in…
Angeles Small named executive director of Social Justice Fund for Ventura County
CAMARILLO — Angeles Small has been named executive director of the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, the organization reported in a media release. Small has more than 15 years of experience in the management and development of organizations in United…
Bilingual commentary: Desiderata — Part VI — Comparing ourselves
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor In…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present Perla Batalla in free concerts Feb. 7-9
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Grammy-nominated vocalist Perla Batalla and her combo in free family concerts at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta (805-893-5037); 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at…
Guest commentary: Obamacare — Greed and Health Care gap
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Rodolfo F. Acuña / Guest contributor In…
February cover story / Portada: A romantic time of year
February is a perfect time to think about romance, finalizing wedding plans Editor’s note: Time is running short to finalize both your plans for a romantic Valentine’s Day and be more creative as you finalize plans for your wedding. Here is…
Commentary: February means that romance is in the air, money is in the wind
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Like Christmas, which is now making an appearance for retailers in late summer, the trappings of Valentine’s Day seem to be coming out earlier and earlier each year. I’m sure I saw some kind…
Local briefs
VENTURA COUNTY — Low- to moderate-income workers who had a household income of $52,000 or less in 2013 can receive free tax preparation and income tax filing at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site located throughout Ventura County, the…
Home: Make your home safer for children
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) According to the Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home injuries, half of the children who die before their first birthday die from choking or suffocation. Many times such tragedies can be…
Business: What are consignment shops?
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Consignment stores have grown in popularity in recent years, particularly among bargain hunters. In addition to offering great deals, such shops also buy clothing, giving shoppers a chance to make a little money when retiring…
More local business information
> Dave Power, founder of J.D. Power and Associates, will be the first speaker in the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics at CSU Channel Islands’ Spring 2014 Speaker Series, “Lessons from Successful Entrepreneurs and Executives,” from noon…
Health: Amazing facts about the human heart
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Every Valentine’s Day homes and businesses dress up the decor with cupids and hearts to celebrate a day all about love and affection. The heart shape has been used to symbolically represent the human heart…
More local health information
> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will present information on Covered California on Feb. 6 in Oak View, Fillmore and Simi Valley; Feb. 7 in Santa Paula and Fillmore; Feb. 11, 12, 13 and 14 in Oxnard; Feb. 13 in…
Technology: How to usher your office into the eco-friendly era
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, with once groundbreaking ideas and devices becoming obsolete in what seems like the blink of an eye. Despite such advancements, many professional environments are still consuming far…
Finance: Tips for newlyweds about to merge finances
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Newlyweds often have a lot on their plates upon returning from their honeymoons. One of the more critical issues newly married couples must address is their finances and how those finances will be combined going…
More local financial news
> California Lutheran University this summer will open a Westlake Village center to house a new business incubator and provide expanded facilities for its Community Counseling Center and School of Management, the university reported in a media release. At the…
Food: Improve your home and diet with a vegetable garden
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Planting a garden can add aesthetic appeal and functionality to a property. Vegetable gardens can transform landscapes while putting healthy and homegrown food on the table. By growing their own fruits and vegetables, homeowners have…
Food: Clean produce properly to avoid contaminants
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The demand for fresh produce has increased in recent years as more people are turning to fresh fruits and vegetables for their nutritional value. That increase in demand has forced many suppliers to import more…
UCSB to honor ‘City of Night’ author John Rechy with Luis Leal Award for Distinction in Chicano/Latino Literature
SANTA BARBARA — Novelist John Rechy is this year’s recipient of the UC Santa Barbara’s Luis Leal Award for Distinction in Chicano/Latino Literature, university 0fficials reported in a media release. The award will be presented during a ceremony at 4 p.m.…
Guest commentary: Agrarian Year Up program would benefit area youth, restore Ormond Beach
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor We at…
La Santa Cecilia shout out to Santa Barbara County youth at the 2014 Grammy Awards!
SANTA BARBARA — La Santa Cecilia, winners of the the Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Grammy for Treinte Días, gave thought in their acceptance speech on Jan. 26 to the incarcerated youth in Santa Barbara County they had visited through…
Bilingual commentary: Young Latinos and the New Economy
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…
CSU Channel Islands’ Antonio Jiménez Jiménez named administrator of the American Translators Association’s Educators Division
CAMARILLO — Antonio Jiménez Jiménez, Associate Professor of Spanish at CSU Channel Islands (CI), has been named administrator of the American Translators Association’s (ATA) Educators Division. Based in Alexandria, Va., the ATA is the nation’s largest professional organization for translators and interpreters, with…
Jan. 31 nomination deadline approaching for El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards
OXNARD — The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 to submit nominations for the 25th annual El Concilio Family Services’ Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 31 in Oxnard. “Since 1990, El Concilio Family Services has recognized…
Guest commentary: Chrysler’s follow up to “To the Farmer in All of Us’ Superbowl commercial needs to be more inclusive
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…