By Shawn McCarthy / Guest Contributor Leverage is the essence of why leading sales professionals and small business owners invest their valuable time in business networking activities. J. Paul Getty once said, “I’d rather have one percent of the effort of…
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 report: Community organizations call for Friday, Saturday protests to demand support for CA Trust Act from Das Williams
Open letter addressed issued to Das Williams following support for notorious DHS-ICE “Secure Communities” program OXNARD — Oxnard-based Todo Poder al Pueblo Collective has called for a protest to be held in front of Assemblyman Das Williams’ office at the…
Das Williams responds to controversy over California Trust Act: AB 1081
SACRAMENTO — When the Assemblymember last had the first version of AB1081 bill before him for a vote, which was May 2011, there were a number of questions concerning the legislation that could not be answered. Due to that fact, Assemblymember Williams abstained, the…
Tickets still available for MICOP’S Aug. 3 ‘Night in Oaxaca’ fundraiser
Tickets are still available for “Night in Oaxaca,” said Donna Foster, operations manager for the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project in Oxnard. “If you haven’t bought tickets and you’d still like to, we still have some tickets left so please contact us if you’d…
EDC-VC announces new micro-loan program
CAMARILLO – The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County is leading the launch in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties of Kiva Zip, a Kiva.org pilot program that enables small businesses to access peer-funded micro-loans of up to $5,000. The program is built on Kiva’s mission…
English-learners focus of $1.2 million grant to develop health, biology program for preschoolers
SANTA BARBARA — Studies show that many low-income Latino children begin kindergarten at a significant educational disadvantage as compared to their mainstream American classmates. With a $1.2 million Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institutes of Health, researchers at…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Police Department promoting bicycle safety awareness
OXNARD — There has been an increase in the number of bicycle collisions in the city of Oxnard in recent months, the Oxnard Police Department reported this week in a media release. Between January and June in 2011 there were…
Gold Coast Health Plan names new CEO
Managed Care executive selected to lead Ventura County plan OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) on Monday announced the hiring of Michael P. Engelhard as chief executive officer. A health care executive with more than 20 years of experience, Engelhard…
July 24 is the deadline for information, advertisement submissions for August print edition
The deadline for submission news and calendar event media releases and advertisements for the August print edition of Amigos805 is 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 25. Amigos805 is also offering a summer business card-size advertisement special for the month of August…
United Way kicks off ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign on July 23
The United Way of Ventura County kicked off its third annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign to send children in need back to school with a smile on Monday, July 23, the organization reported in a media release. The United Way…
Teatro de las Américas to celebrate 20th anniversary on July 23
Teatro de las Américas will celebrate its 20th anniversary at 6 p.m. Monday, July 23 at SugarBeets Restaurant and Grill, 455 So. A St., Oxnard. Call 805-231-0127 or send an email to mcortese83@gmail.com
Día Nacional “DREAMer” en el Consulado de México en Oxnard
Te invitamos el 23 de julio Hora: 8:00am – 1:00pm Dirección: 3151 W. 5th St. Suite E-100 Contacto: Martha Teissier (805) 984-8738 Ext. 103, 105 y 107 Juan Matus 805-984-8738, ext. 113 La red de organizaciones “United We Dream” (UWD),…
Zaragoza announces groundbreaking ceremony for Wright Road paving in El Rio
A groundbreaking ceremony for the paving of Wright Road in the unincorporated area of El Rio will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 23, according to a media release by Fifth District Supervisor John Zaragoza. The ceremony will be…
Consulado de México en Oxnard: Foros gratuitos 2012
SCORE Café de Negocios for Spanish speakers set for July 18
Dear Friends & Colleagues: I would like to share with you the attached flyers for our First SCORE Cafe de Negocios event this coming Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Casapueblo Restaurant in Downtown Oxnard. We hope to make SCORE Cafe…
Bilingual commentary: “The Tube” of London … In Oxnard?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Imagine if here in Oxnard we had a transportation system that allowed us to travel below ground as if we were gophers, from the southern part of the city to the most northern regions such…
VCCF buys Camarillo building to house foundation headquarters
Building will be center to serve nonprofit leaders, provide meeting space to the community CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation late last week bought a Camarillo office building to house the foundation’s headquarters, expand its Center for Nonprofit Leadership…
Bilingual commentary: State Assemblyman Das Williams draws fire for opposing CA Trust Act, supporting S-Comm
Community organizations call for July 28 protest at?Assemblyman’s offices in Oxnard and Santa Barbara OXNARD — Assemblyman Das Williams (D-35th District) is walking a tightrope among his constituents in this sensitive election year after provoking outrage among migrant justice advocates…
CEDC celebrates opening of Oxnard apartment communities on July 14, 18
Communities will serve new families of farmworkers and individuals with chronic mental illness. OXNARD – The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) will host a grand opening event at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 18 for its two adjoining affordable…
Summer business card-size advertisement special
Amigos805 will be offering a summer business card-size advertisement special for the month of August for all our social media users. For a discount price of $50, your business card will appear in August on our website, e-newsletter and in…
Hernandez issues response to VCCCD accreditation issues and perceptions
By Arturo Hernandez / Board Trustee, VCCCD This statement is in response to the recent public accusations against me in the April 16th, 2012 Report from the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, released by the commission on July 2, 2012.…
Commentary: Homeless at 9, artist at 15
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor 1 in 45 kids is homeless in the U.S. What can you do for 1? This is Inocente… “In San Diego, a young teenage girl’s eyes stare into a compact mirror. She paints a dramatic black…
News notes: Pajamas presented in Santa Barbara, heavy lift crane shipped from the Port of Hueneme
Pajamas for patients presented at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics SANTA BARBARA — Patients of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) received a special surprise on July 10 when they visited any of the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. About 350 pajamas for…
VCCF awards $1.2 million at annual scholarship reception
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to local students at the recent 2012 Scholarship Awards Reception, attended by more than 400 students, their families and donors who made the awards possible. The…
Bilingual commentary: Why so quiet?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Last week, I introduced the topic of my recent trip to London, England. The following is not necessarily fact, but rather what I managed to make out during that recent visit. These are my perceptions…
Bilingual commentary: Call for candidates!
By Denis O’Leary / Guest contributor We have all heard about the Presidential election of November 2012. We also survived the June primary elections to decide the candidates who will face off for county, state and federal positions. Yet, local…
El Concilio holding benefit night July 9 in Oxnard
El Concilio Family Services will hold a benefit night from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 9 at T.G.I. Friday’s, 2181 No. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Click on the above image, print it out and present it at the restaurant and…
Bilingual report: Efforts in high gear to avoid outages this summer
Residents and businesses can help prevent unwanted power disruptions, says private utility By Cesar Arredondo / New America Media/Amigos805 With its only nuclear plant shut down for now, Southern California Edison is asking for help from its costumers to keep energy flowing…
News notes: Fisherman’s Wharf lease expiring, Youth Empowerment Program holds ceremony
Five-Year pre-development lease at Channel Islands Harbor expires OXNARD —The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has chosen to allow the current lease at Fisherman’s Wharf, the corner of Victoria and Channel Islands, to expire on July 31, which is the…
Ventura County Animal Services: Protect Your Pets — or adopt one — this 4th of July
VENTURA COUNTY — The 4th of July week is the busiest time of year at Ventura County Animal Services, the agency reported this week in a media release. Fireworks scare dogs and they often run away from home and end…
Bilingual report: Staying local remains an attractive vacation option
Trips to wine region, state and national parks, historical sites are some of the local options By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While a trip to Spain or climbing a pyramid at Chichén Itzá may sound like an enticing summer vacation, a…
Bilingual report: Local activists respond to ruling on Arizona’s law
Groups announce plans to challenge remaining portion of law on other constitutional grounds By Cesar Arredondo / Amigos805 The recent Supreme Court ruling on Arizona’s controversial immigration law has been received with mixed feelings by some Latino leaders in Ventura County.…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Salsa Festival prepares a hot event
50,000 people expected to attend 19th annual event featuring music, dancing, cooking demonstrations From Amigos805 staff reports A 5k run, a variety of bands, a dance competition benefiting local nonprofit organizations and, of course, plenty of spicy food and drink…
Bilingual commentary: Remembering a family’s history
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Sometimes a fleeting comment can lead to a whole world of discovery. Such was the case for Sylvia Munoz Schnopp, who was visiting her father one day in 2003. “It started out by just…
Bilingual commentary: London — Land of opportunity
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Here in this country, we’re used to the United States being “the land of opportunity,” to where the entire world (except, possibly, those “blessed souls” who go out of their way to hate us) aspires…
Bilingual commentary: New opportunities, new dreams
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor “Relief for DREAMers.” The unexpected headline appearing in two emails I received on June 15, 2012 brought a smile to my face. “TODAY, President Obama is finally granting DREAMers relief from deportation. “DREAM Act youth ages 15-30…
Bilingual update: News briefs
A variety of 4th of July activities are scheduled for the 805 region. The 37th annual 4th of July Street Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 4 in downtown Ventura. Free. The 4th of…
News notes: Capps supports effort to keep low student loans, Schiffer departing Museum of Ventura County
Capps applauds passage of legislation to keep student loan interest rates low WASHINGTON — Rep. Lois Capps (CA-23) on Friday applauded passage of bipartisan legislation to prevent the interest rate on Stafford Student Loans from doubling. If Congress had not…
Capps applauds U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Affordable Care Act
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) supported the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, or health insurance reform law. “I’m pleased the Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act,” Capps stated Thursday…
Downtown Sol announces upcoming events starting June 29
A “Writing Funshop” presented by local children’s book author Amada Irma Perez will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 29 at Downtown Sol, 328 W. Third St., Oxnard, reports owner Marisa Lopez. Suggested ages 7 to 12. Free.…
Foundation for Santa Barbara City College receives $10,000 for “Transitions” program
Program Allows Those Released From California Criminal Justice System Access to Higher Education SANTA BARBARA – The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College has received a $10,000 grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara to support the College’s Transitions program, a…
Health fair for men set for June 30 at Ventura College Market Place
A health fair for men is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at the Ventura College Market Place, at the corner of Telegraph and Day Roads. Testing services will be provided for diabetes, colesterol, body mass…
MICOP seeks volunteers for June 30 community meeting
Volunteers are needed to set up and staff the children’s crafts area and provide clean up assistance when the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project present its next monthly community meeting from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at Harrington Elementary…
EDC-VC launches access to capital campaign
New program will package financing and business development services to startups CAMARILLO — The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s SBDC on Tuesday announced a partnership with GPF Real Estate & Financing Corp. to provide access to capital…
Applications being accepted for County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board
The Office of Ventura County Supervisor John Zaragoza is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on the County of Ventura Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board (ADAB), Zaragoza reported Tuesday in a media release. The ADAB advises the board of supervisors…
Vazquez joins board of Housing Opportunities Made Easier
Brianna Vazquez has joined the board of Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME), the Ventura-based organization reported Thursday in a media release. Vazquez is a recent transplant from Seattle, Washington to the Ventura County area and joined Hamner, Jewell & Associates…
Congress of California Seniors to hold open house on June 21
The Congress of California Seniors Region 5 will celebrate Elder Awareness Day with an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21 at the CCS Oxnard Field Office, 519 So. C St., Oxnard. The event includes the opportunity…
Guelaguetza 2012 Oaxacan celebration to be held June 24 in Oxnard
Guelaguetza 2012 will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 24 at Oxnard Plaza Park at C and Fifth Streets. Sponsored by the government of the state of Oaxaca in Mexico, the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, the…
Bilingual report: $1,000 fines to be issued for illegal use of fireworks in Oxnard
OXNARD — In anticipation of the July 4, 2012 holiday, Oxnard police officers will enforce the ban on fireworks in Oxnard, City of Oxnard officials reported this week in a media release. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting or handling…
Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, June 22 to submit events, reserve advertising space for July Amigos805 print edition
The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, June 22 to submit July calendar events, information and reserve advertising space for the July newspaper print edition of Amigos805. A total of 10,000 copies are distributed throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.…