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…
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."
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…