SACRAMENTO — As issues relating to consumer protection arose for state lawmakers during the first part of the legislative session, Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) sided with consumers 100 percent of the time, the office of Das Williams reported in…
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."
Diva Tu! fall issue now available
Diva Tu! publisher Natty Rios-Sipes has announced that the new Diva Tu! Fall issue is now available featuring “Back to School Inspiration” by Kassandra Romero, “Blueprint for Success” by Mariaemma Willis, Fashion “TeenTrends,” “Quinceañeras de Niña a Mujer” and “Social…
UCSB to hold Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Expo at Oxnard College on Sept. 20
UC Santa Barbara and Oxnard College are teaming up for STEM EXPO 2011, a daylong event that will bring middle and high school students from the Oxnard and Santa Paula area together with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professionals,…
Capps celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
WASHINGTON — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) issued the following statement in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15 every year. “This week we begin celebrating Hispanic Heritage month and will pay tribute to…
Commentary: Digging deep
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I have been married and divorced three times. A few years after my last divorce I wrote a memoir about my journey to understand my role in the destruction of those three marriages, “Digging…
Announcement: Author presentation this weekend
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor This weekend we have an interactive and fun author presentation for children within Ventura County. At the Ventura Bank of Books, we have “My Handy Writing Book: A New, Fun and Easy Way to Write…
Commentary: A Mexican cousin’s view of the U.S.
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor It was their 8/25. It doesn’t resonate with us as well as “9/11” does and always will. The events of August 25, 2011, weren’t of the gasping magnitude of 9/11, but it shook Mexican society…
Mexican Consulate posts Fiestas Patrias event calendar
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has posted the Fiestas Patrias event calendar for the 805 region. Click on image above to see the full calendar.
Son Jarocho workshop set for Sept. 14 in Oxnard
Visiting artist Andres Flores will provide a special Son Jarocho Workshop from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Arts for Action, 535 So. C St., Oxnard. There is a $5 requested donation. Flores is from Coatzalcoalcos Veracruz and…
Bilingual report: Nominations open for 2012 El Concilio Latino Leadership Awards
Nominations are open for the 2012 El Concilio Family Services annual Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The awards were established in 1990 in order to recognize individuals that have…
Thibeault to talk at Stress, Health and Longevity Class on Sept. 14
Donald Thibeault will be the guest speaker at the Stress, Health and Longevity Class meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at 702 County Square Drive, Ventura. He will talk about ”Mental Gymnastics and Aging Gracefully.” Call 805.652.2828 for…
FOOD Share to hold Fruit Share program on Sept. 24
(VENTURA COUNTY) – When Bonnie Weigel, FOOD Share CEO, visits Ventura County neighborhoods and sees ripe lemons, avocados or peaches that have fallen to the ground and are rotting, she cringes. Weigel knows that rather than go to waste, each piece of fruit…
Das Williams: Legislation secures federal funding for energy efficiency retrofits to state buildings
SACRAMENTO — A bill that Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) has authored jointly with the chairman of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce to authorize the transfer of additional money to help finance energy efficiency retrofits in state buildings…
Actividades de la Ventanilla de Salud en Septiembre
Actividades de la Ventanilla de Salud en Septiembre.
CSU’s ‘Channel Magazine’ features Lacayo Institute
The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) has been featured in a new article by Lori Putnam at CSU Channel Islands “Channel Magazine.” Launched last November, the non-profit and non-partisan Institute is named for Hank Lacayo,…
Das Williams: Assembly passes tax relief for middle class families
Plan also Closes Tax Loophole and Helps Small Businesses SACRAMENTO — Assembly Democrats and two Republican’s approved a plan on Sept 8 that includes an income tax break for working families and provides an incentive for job creation here in…
Capps applauds outline of American Jobs Act, urges House leadership to bring bill to the floor
WASHINGTON – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s address to Congress and outline of the American Jobs Act. “Tonight, President Obama laid out several straightforward, bipartisan proposals to create jobs and…
Commentary: Baseball, horse races and trains
Editor’s note: Boyd Lemon reported this week that his book “Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages,” was the 65th best selling book in its genre on Kindle. This week the ebook version is on sale for 99 cents on http://www.Amazon.com, http://www.BarnsandNoble.com and http://www.Smashwords.com By…
Commentary: Dieting…Or A Way of Life?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Sometimes I wonder if at my age and considering my gender, I’m a candidate for anorexia. Especially when I get dressed for the day, look at my profile around the waist area in the…
Registration open for Binational Health Week conference
The Binational Health Week 2011 11th annual Health Conference, “Celebrating Healthy Families,” will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 at Veteran’s Memorial Community Center, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria. The deadline for organizations to…
Oxnard Art Beat set for Sept. 10
The Downtown Oxnard Art Beat will close out the summer by featuring a variety of art, music, dancing and dining opportunities from 5 p.m. to closing time on Saturday, Sept. 10 at various venues in downtown Oxnard, organizers reported in…
LULAC’s first fall meeting set for Sept. 10 in Ventura
The League of United Latin American Citizens will hold its first fall meeting of LULAC District 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at Clinicas del Camino Real, 200 So. Wells Road, No. 200, Ventura. Contact Jorge Napoles,…
Mexican Consulate releases calendar of events for September
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Wednesday released its schedule of events for September. Click here or on the image to view a pdf of the schedule.
Oxnard College announces schedule for OC Literature, Arts & Lecture Series
Oxnard College has announced the schedule for its Literature, Arts & Lecture Series beginning Sept. 28. Sponsored by Oxnard College, all events are held on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the new Oxnard College Performing Arts Building (OCPA),…
Capps, others introduce legislation to ensure jobs are a priority
Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, joined Rep. John Larson and 57 of her colleagues in introducing legislation on Sept. 6 to ensure that job creation and economic growth are given the same focus and priority in Congress as reducing the…
Das Williams bill to increase public safety clears senate floor
A bill authored by Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) that provides policy guidelines regarding background screening requirements for Emergency Medical Responders, passed the Senate floor on Sept. 6, according to a media release. Assembly Bill 1245 simply states that if…
Republic Services helping FOOD Share collect donations
Republic Services Inc., a provider of solid waste collection, transfer and disposal services, recently launched a “Food and Funds Drive” in support of FOOD Share, Ventura County’s regional food bank, the organization reported this week in a media release. Throughout…
Applications available for Rebozo Festival award
Organization/institutions are encouraged to participate in the “Nomination for Appropriations” 2012 Rebozo Festival Awards, festival organizers reported this week in a media release. The awards are presented annually by Las Madrinas of Ventura County. The next event will be held…
Commentary: Recovering from divorce
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Since one in two marriages in the United States ends in divorce, it is a subject many of us think about, but, except for celebrity divorces, not much is written or publically said about…
Latino Health Awareness Month calendar released
In honor of Latino Health Awareness Month, the Ventura County Public Health-Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Oxnard Police Department and The Network for a Healthy California — Gold Coast Region Latino Campaign, have teamed up to promote a number of events in September, including…
Commentary: My Daily Fix
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor It’s something I have to have. I buy it and have it delivered to my house every day. I can’t imagine not having it, and if I’m out traveling and can’t get it, I…
FOOD Share challenges community to participate in 30 ways in 30 days during Hunger Action Month
Online calendar provides 30 days of simple suggestions in September to help feed the hungry The concept is simple but the potential pay-off is huge. If every single individual, family and business makes the personal commitment to take action to…
Commentary: Complications of diabetes in the United States
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Last week’s article discussed the ‘Diabetes Epidemic’ in the Latino community. I hope you remembered the challenge: eat more green vegetables and begin to exercise fifteen to thirty minutes a day. The other day I mentioned…
Latino links: Educational trends
The number of 18- to 24-year-olds attending college hit an all-time high of 12.2 million in October 2010. A good part of that grow was attributed to a 24 percent jump in Hispanic enrollement, according to a report by the…
El Concilio urges ‘Get together. Give together’
As we enjoy the last days of summer in Ventura County, it is a time to appreciate all that we have — sunshine, beach time with friends, summer vacations, Yvonne Gutierrez of El Concilio Family Services reported this week in…
Local ballet company’s dance program proves therapeutic for foster children
Imagine being removed from your home and the care of your family only to leave behind everything you have ever known. For no fault of their own, thousands of children are removed from their homes and placed into foster…
Bilingual report: Three bills awaiting governor’s signature
Three pieces of legislation being carried by first-term State Assemblymember Das Williams (D- Santa Barbara) are currently awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature after successfully navigating the legislative process in both the Assembly and Senate. the office of Assemblymember Das Williams…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las America’s presenting ‘Karaoke Night’ on Aug. 31
Teatro de las Américas and Genmai Sushi will present “Karaoke Night,” with dinner at 7 p.m. and karaoke from 8 p.m. until closing on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 3623 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. A percentage of the dinner/drink tab will…
Bilingual report: Local officials rally to support effort to save McGrath State Beach
Leaders urge families to help prevent closure of McGrath State Park by Voting online for a chance to win $100,000 in National America is Your Park contest Assemblymember Das Williams (D- Santa Barbara) was joined by Senator Fran Pavley (D- Santa…
Commentary: Forgiving
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Half of the time my father worked nights, so he had more leisure time during the day than most fathers. He spent much of that time with me. We went to baseball games and…
MICOP seeking volunteers on Aug. 26, 27
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is seeking volunteers to fill 500 backpacks with school supplies starting at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 So. Gisler St., Oxnard. MICOP is also seeking volunteers from 4 to…
Commentary: Remodeling…What have I done?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor I look around my home now and see devastation. But this is good. It means my remodel project has finally begun. But as I look around sometimes, I catch myself asking, “What have I done?”…
Williams, Zaragoza seeking public support to keep McGrath State Beach open
Votes can help park win $100,000 for renovations Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) and Ventura County Fifth District Supervisor John Zaragoza are asking 805 residents to vote for McGrath State Beach, which currently ranks 6th in the “America…
Visita del Gobernador de Oaxaca Gabino Cué Monteagudo a Oxnard
Consulado General de México en Oxnard — El Gobernador de Oaxaca, Gabino Cué Monteagudo, realizó una gira de trabajo en Oxnard, el pasado sábado 20 de Agosto, en el rancho J&E ante cerca de 300 personas. La bienvenida la ofrecieron…
Commentary: Diabetes in the U.S. Latino community
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Last week I shared a family incident, which many people said they identified with on two levels. One was the “Sandwich Generation,” which I also call the “Quesadilla Generation,” because I often feel like sticky queso pulled…
Hernandez, Perez among individuals, groups honored by United Way
Orlando Hernandez, a volunteer tax preparer for the United Way of Ventura County’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It program since 2006, and David Perez, chair of the Young Leaders Society’s board of directors, are among a group of individuals and organizations that…
‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ set for Aug. 26-28 at Oxnard College
Carmen Guerrero of Oxnard College reports that Moorpark and Oxnard College will present a Moorpark College production on the Oxnard campus “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and…
Latino Links: Media trends
To counter opponents of NBC’s proposed merger with Comcast last year, NBC promoted a number of TV series featuring minorities. But little more than six months after the approval of the merger by the Federal Communications Commission, some of NBCUniversal’s…
Concierto de Son Jarocho con ‘Los Vega’ 27 de Agosto
Proyecto Jarocho presenta talleres y concierto de Son Jarocho con “Los Vega”, sabado, 27 de Agosto de 2011, Casa de la Guerra, No. 9 E. De la Guerra St., Santa Barbara. Talleres: 4:00 a 6:00 pm (Jarana, Guitarra de Son, Arpa,…
EDC-VC global trade classes start on Aug. 22
The Economic Development Collaborative — Ventura County and the California Small Business Development Center will present Global Trade Classes starting Aug. 22 at Santa Barbara City College. Taught by Ray Bowman, international trade expert and Small Business Development Center director,…
‘Che’ film, faculty discussion set for Aug. 23 at UCSB
John Foran will be the faculty speaker prior to the presentation “Che: Part One” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the UCSB MultiCultural Center in Santa Barbara. Part of the UCSB Education Abroad Program’s “Word Revolutions Film Series,” the…
Encuentro Comunitario con el Gobernador de Oaxaca Gabino Cué Monteagudo el 20 de Agosto en Oxnard
Buenos días a todos. Por instrucciones del Cónsul Rogelio Flores, me permito extender a Ustedes una invitación cordial para que nos acompañen en la visita que realizará el Gobernador del Estado de Oaxaca, Lic. Gabino Cue Monteagudo, el próximo sábado…
Commentary: What they have
This is the second of a two part article started last week about my visit to an African village. By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor After walking more than a mile from the village center, we arrived at the village…
Commentary: Chaos
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Earlier this year I started to read a book that is not your average bedside novel. When people at a party ask me, “What books are you reading now?” I no longer tell them that…
Mora to lead CSU Channel Islands Alumni & Friends board
Fernando Mora has been elected president of the 2011-2012 Alumni & Friends Association Board of Directors for CSU Channel Islands, the institution reported on Wednesday. “This is a very important opportunity for me to give back time and energy to…
Social Justice Fund seeking donors for grantmaking challenge
The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County reports that Aug. 31 is the deadline for community members to donate $25 each to match a $5,000 grant-making challenge from Meenal and Kris Kelkar. “We need 100 people to donate $25. Step…
Bilingual report: Enedina Castañeda to perform Aug. 20 at Expo México Emprende Los Angeles 2011
Santa Maria Valley educator Enedina Castañeda will be performing her poetry at the Expo México Emprende Los Angeles 2011, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 a the Los Angeles Convention Center. Jose Luis Rojas, Mexican singer and song writer, will…
Commentary: The Sandwich Generation, Hold the Mayo
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Last night my sister and I lounged on the balcony watching the sunset. We’re on vacation, with our mother and other sister, near San Diego and it’s a lovely warm evening. The mountains turned from green…
Tour de Dreams comes to CSU Channel Islands on Aug. 19
Dreamers without borders will host the Tour de Dreams with a potluck BBQ, discussion, live DJ and Dance at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at CSU Channel Islands at the Student Union Treehouse Courtyard. The Tour de Dreams will be…
Amigos805 offering Hispanic Heritage Month special advertising rates
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, coupon and business-card size advertisements will appear in Amigos805.com during September and October at a discount cost of $50 per advertisement per month, a $50 savings. Business Directory advertisements will also appear in Amigos805.com…
Lacayo celebrating 80th birthday on Aug. 20
Henry “Hank” Lacayo will celebrate his 80th birthday at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 during the “Hank Lacayo 80th Birthday Tribute & HLI Fundraiser at Spanish Hills Country Club, 999 Crestview Ave., Camarillo. Join us in celebrating Hank’s lifetime of…
Clubes Zacatecanos celebrar treceavo aniversario 20 de Agosto
La Organizacion de Clubes Zacatecanos del Condado de Ventura los invita “A Celebrar su Treceavo Aniversario — Certamen Seõrita Zacatecas 2011-2012,” 6 pm a 12 am. domingo, 20 de Agosto del 2011, Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel, 2010 Mandalay Beach Road,…
Friends invite community to ‘Old School Night’ dinner-concert-dance on Aug. 20
Tickets are still available for the “Old School Night” dinner-concert-dance, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at Casa Lopez, 325 So. A St., Oxnard. Featuring Rock ‘N Roll, Oldies, R&B, Soul, Funk, Disco, Salsa and Mexicana with DJ Sherman…
Latino Links: Political trends
Rick Perry may have a challenge convincing Latinos to support him after the Texas governor announced on Aug. 13 that he was entering the race for the 2012 Republican nomination. Writer Yolanda Gonzalez Gomez reports in the Huffington Post that…
Commentary: WHAT THEY HAVE (Part 1)
A Personal Essay By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Not long ago I joined a small tour group to visit a village in Malawi, Africa, a small country east of Tanzania. “I will be your tour guide,” Kea said. “The…