Volunteers are needed support the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard. “We will be trying something new (and old, if you remember back a few years ago) this…
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: The luckiest 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…
Melinda Palacio to hold book signing on Jan. 19 in Ventura
VENTURA — On the heels of having won the 2012 PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Award for her début novel, Ocotillo Dreams, local author and poet Melinda Palacio returns to sign her new book of poems, “How Fire Is a Story,…
Bilingual commentary: Pain and acceptance
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…
Deadline approaching for El Concilio’s annual Latino Leadership Awards nominations
Nominations will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 for El Concilio Family Services 24th annual Latino Leadership Awards, the Oxnard-based organization reported this weekend. El Concilio has expanded the criteria beyond education for the annual awards to be presented June 7,…
Ventura County Public Health offers flu shot clinics
VENTURA COUNTY — The nation’s widespread outbreak of the flu has caused an increase in flu cases in California and a sudden surge in demand for the flu vaccine in Ventura County, the Ventura County’s Public Health (VCPH) Department reported in…
Guest commentary: Swim program introduces Oxnard children to water
Swin lessons and jobs for our youth in the Oxnard Plain. The Keys to access to water and conservation stewardship in Oxnard By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor This summer the city of Oxnard has the opportunity to provide low income…
Commentary: National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editors 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 During…
Bilingual report: Agriculture, De Colores Art Show talks to be held Jan. 10 in Santa Paula
The Santa Paula Art Museum and the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula will co-present the “Second Thursday Gallery Talks” program on Thursday, Jan. 10. John Nichols, photographer and creator of the annual Art About Agriculture exhibit,…
Bilingual report: ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Ballet Hispanico classes / performance Jan. 10-13
Franchesca Marisol Cabrera, a former Spirit of Fiesta, returns to Santa Barbara as education coordinator with Ballet Hispanico when the group appears in the region Jan. 11 through 13. ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! will present New York-based Ballet…
Celebración del Día de Reyes de la ciudad de Lompoc
LOMPOC — El domingo 06 de enero cerca de 400 niñas y niños se dieron cita en la Iglesia de La Purísima Concepción en la ciudad de Lompoc, CA., para saludar a Melchor, Gaspar y Baltazar, siguiendo una de las…
Bilingual commentary: Polytheism
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…
Bilingual report: New laws — Driver’s licenses for young immigrants and more
More than 500 new laws, ranging from driving to marriage and online privacy, greet California residents starting Jan. 1, 2013 By César Arredondo / Amigos805 More than 500 new California laws go into effect in 2013 — more than 200…
Bilingual commentary: New hope, challenges facing immigration reform in 2013
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Watching Congress and the Obama Administration’s effort during the past few weeks to reach some kind — any kind — of compromise to avoid the so-called Fiscal Cliff was like watching two pythons trying…
Bilingual commentary: Baby steps
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor When I was younger (and more foolish), night would come and once again I would question why I dared to think that I could do it all. Like the superwoman who believes that she can…
Bilingual report: Santa Fe — Perfect weekend getaway in the New Year
By Stacey “Vagabonding Chica” Wittig / Travel Writer The striking smell of juniper wood burning in kiva fireplaces is stamped on my memory. They say that smells can trigger memories and emotions. So now, as I walk the narrow streets of…
Bilingual report: Mexican Consulate to hold ‘Reyes Magos’ celebration on Jan. 6 in Lompoc
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, Unity Shoppe Organization and La Purísíma Concepción Catholic Church will hold a “Reyes Magos’ celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 at the church, 213 W. Olive Ave., Lompoc. Families are invited for…
Los Aguiluchos Marching Band to perform on Dec. 27 in Oxnard
OXNARD — Los Aguiluchos Marching Band of Puebla, Mexico, will perform at 1 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. The marching band will also perform at the 124th annual Pasadena Tournament of…
Time running out to submit news, calendar events for January print edition
The deadline is noon Friday, Dec. 28 to submit news releases, calendar events for possible inclusion in our 10,000-copy January print edition. The edition is distributed throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Send your submissions to fmoraga@amigos805.com
Bilingual commentary: Communicating, or missing brain cells?
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…
Capps announces implementation of “Pay as You Earn” program to make student loan repayment easier for young people
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) on Dec. 21 announced the implementation of the Obama Administration’s “Pay as You Earn” program. The Administration’s “Pay as You Earn” proposal will reduce monthly loan payments by capping them at 10 percent of…
FOOD Share inches closer to overall goal to raise 200,000 pounds of food
Regional food bank and The Collection at RiverPark’s first annual Can Tree Collection drive garners support from community, raised 57,000 pounds of canned food for hungry VENTURA COUNTY — Oxnard’s newest outdoor shopping and dining destination, The Collection, during Dec.…
Commentary: Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary: It’s not only about gun control
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editors 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 After…
Bilingual commentary: Higher education for Latinos
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…
Students participate in STEM Conference at UCSB
SANTA BARBARA — Women leaders in science, engineering and education shared their expertise and time with more than 200 girls in grades 6-12, parents, teachers and counselors at the recent 2012 Upper Hand to College STEM Conference, held at UCSB, organizers…
Hospice of Santa Barbara offers advice for parents, teachers after elementary school shooting tragedy
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara is providing information for those in our community who have questions and concerns related to the recent shooting tragedy that killed 20 children and 7 adults in an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, the organization reported in…
Bilingual report: El Centrito, MICOP to present ‘Piñata Making Workshop’ on Dec. 14
OXNARD — El Centrito Family Learning Centers, in partnership with Mixteco/Indigina Community Organizing Project (MICOP), will host the fifth annual “Piñata Making Workshop” from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday Dec. 14 at El Centrito’s main campus, 450 So. K St. (The…
El Concilio Family Services expands criteria for Latino Leadership Awards nominations
El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard has announced that it has expanded the criteria beyond education for nominations for the 24th annual Latino Leadership Awardes, to be presented June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Oxnard. The…
Clinicas to distribute toys to its patients through Dec. 21
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will be distributing toys at its clinics throughout Ventura County through Dec. 21, the health care provider reported Monday in a media release. For the past four years, during the holiday season, Clincas del Camino…
Bilingual commentary: Pearl Harbor
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor A few days ago we commemorated the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. For the ancient Hawaiians, the place was called Wai Nomi; that is, Pearl Water. It must have been a…
MICOP seeks volunteers for ‘Fiesta Navideña 2012’ on Dec. 15
Volunteers are needed support the annual Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project’s “Fiesta Navideña 2012,” which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15 in El Rio and Oxnard. “There are still volunteer opportunities for this Saturday’s Fiestas in Oxnard and El Rio…
La Hermandad, MICOP, One Step A La Vez among local groups benefiting from McCune Foundation grant
Deadline for next grant program is Jan. 14, 2013 The McCune Foundation has awarded more than $360,000 for community organizing and social justice initiatives in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Sixteen groups received grants in November to organize residents in…
Bilingual report: Deadline is midnight Dec. 6 to register for ‘Santa to the Sea’ race to benefit El Concilio
El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard will benefit from the fifth annual “Santa to the Sea” Half Marathon, Relay, 5K Run and 1K Kids Run on Sunday, Dec. 9. The deadline is midnight, Thursday, Dec. 6. Call El Concilio at…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas’ PASTO-Re-La opens Dec. 7 in Oxnard
Teatro de las Américas will present “PASTO-Re-La” from Dec. 7 through 15 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Black Box Theater, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Presented in Spanish with English supertitles; tickets for the family-friendly program are available…
Bilingual report: Tianguis Market/Mercado to be presented on Dec. 7 in Oxnard
Memo y Los Compadres will be performing during the “Tianguis Market/Mercado” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at Café on A, 438 So. A St., downtown Oxnard. “Support local businesses, artisans, musicians: come and shop for your holiday gifts,” said…
Bilingual report: ‘Welcoming the Immigrant’ event to be held Dec. 8 in Oxnard
OXNARD — Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice will present “Welcoming the Immigrant,” the fifth annual event for International Human Rights Day and a Posada Play, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at Plaza Park, 500 So. C St.,…
Public Utilities President Mike Peevey to speak at CI’s Lacayo Institute on Dec. 10
CAMARILLO – The Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies at CSU Channel Islands (CI) will host its first Lacayo Forum on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, featuring Michael R. Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Lacayo…
Bilingual report: ‘Always Running..’ author Luis Rodriguez to speak Dec. 5 at Oxnard College
Author and poet Luis Rodriguez, best known for his 1993 memoir, “Always Running — La Vida Loca Gang Days in L.A.,” will be the guest speaker during Oxnard College’s “One Book One Campus” presentation from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday,…
‘Lights, Camera, Education!’ panel to be held at Oxnard College on Dec. 5
OXNARD — Please join us for the First Annual Ventura County Community College District Entertainment Panel from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Oxnard College Performing Arts building, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard, the Ventura County Community College…
Deadline is Dec. 12 for matching donation for farm worker housing
VENTURA COUNTY — Dark, small, crowded, dilapidated… substandard and unacceptable. These are words that are commonly used to describe the housing available to farm worker families in Ventura County, and yet farm workers sustain agriculture in our community and bring…
Bilingual report: Ventura College, Ventura College Santa Paula offer English language improvement classes
Ventura College offers a variety of options for those who wish to improve their English language skills, the Ventura County Community College District reported in a media release. The new English for Multilingual students (EngM) are for students who do not…
Ventura College Santa Paula open for registration
The Ventura College Santa Paula site is now open for registration, offering a semester of classes and resources available to the community, the Ventura County Community College District reported in a media release. Classes begin January 14, 2013. Visit the…
Bilingual commentary: Commentary: Never too early to start your scholarship effort for 2013
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Years ago, I made the ultimate goof in the usual couple relationship. She had come into the room, probably while I was watching NFL football, and said something probably coherent. I then muttered the…
Bilingual commentary: Human Touch — Judgment, then understanding
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Huff, huff, puff, puff … inhale, exhale. It was another evening of routine discipline as I plowed my body around the running track at the local park. The landscape was predictable in this neighborhood: the…
Bilingual commentary: Taos Pueblo: A unique Christmas celebration
By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Freezing air from snow-capped mountains pinches your nose as you walk toward Taos Pueblo on Christmas Eve. Moving into the crowd gathered around the adobe chapel, you hear people speaking hushed Spanish,…
CLU gets $1.6 million Upward Bond grant
THOUSAND OAKS — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded California Lutheran University a $1.6 million grant to continue and expand its TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science Center over the next five years, the university reported Thursday in a…
Letter to the Editor: A Potential Antidote to Gang Violence: Membership in a Boys & Girls Club
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. To the editor: Congratulations…
Exposición de Arte en Tortilla del maestro José Barajas en el Consulado de México en Oxnard
OXNARD — En el marco de la promoción a las tradiciones y costumbres de México, y con la intención de dar a conocer a artistas de origen mexicano en EUA, el pasado 07 de noviembre se llevó a cabo la…
Bilingual commentary: The Guardians
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…