Spanish orientations sessions for next class to be held Aug. 20, 26 Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) on Aug. 12 celebrated the accomplishments of fourteen men and women graduating from the WEV en Español’s Basic Self-Employment Training (SET) program, the organization…
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."
Local writer to receive ‘Guatemalan Writer of the Year’ award next week in Hollywood
Award part of “Celebration of La Semana del Guatemalteco en Los Angeles” René Corado, a Guatemalan biologist, writer and resident of Oxnard, will be honored on Aug. 25 with the “Guatemalan Writer of the Year” award presented by the Comite…
Bilingual commentary: Dads protecting daughters
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…
Mexico U-17 National Team vs. Ventura County Fusion at Ventura College Sportsplex on Aug. 20
VENTURA — Mexico U-17 National Team vs. Ventura County Fusion will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 the the Ventura College Sportsplex, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura. One of the most popular and successful youth national teams in the world…
Sonikete Productions to present ‘MoForró’ at Downtown Sol in Oxnard on Aug. 22
OXNARD — Sonikete Productions will present “MoForró” from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at Downtown Sol, 328 W. 3rd St., Oxnard. Come enjoy this Brazilian treat with us on the last day of summer, organizers reported in a media release.…
Discovery Ventura to present Los Lonely Boys on Aug. 23
VENTURA — Los Lonely Boys will perform at Discovery Ventura, 1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Texan brother trio bounces back from adversity with its adventurous self-produced album, “Revelation,” which chronicles its return to the stage…
Acuña Art Gallery @ The Café on A in Oxnard to present ‘Endless Summer — Back to School’ party on Aug. 14
OXNARD — The Acuña Art Gallery @ The Café on A will present “Endless Summer — Back to School’ all ages party from 7 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Aug. 14 at 438 S. A St., Oxnard Featuring performances by C-Minor,…
Carnegie Art Museum to present opening reception for Olguin Tapia Heredia on Aug. 14
OXNARD — The Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard will present the CAM Studio Gallery opening reception for Olguin Tapia Heredia from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 at 424 S. C St., Oxnard. Born in Michoacán, Mexico and raised in Oxnard,…
MICOP to present ‘A Night in Oaxaca 2015’ on Aug. 15
OXNARD — The Mixteco / Indígena Community Organizing Project will present its annual “A Night in Oaxaca 2015” fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. “Join us…
Guest commentary: The Oxnard Multicultural Mental Health Coaltion is moving forward
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 Sometimes…
Bilingual commentary: Under attack
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 On…
Guest commentary: ‘Panen et circenses’
Inequality of sports — The grand illusion 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…
Bilingual report: Inaugural ‘K through 12 Resource Fair’ to be held in Oxnard on Aug. 12
OXNARD — The Office of Jacqui Irwin, in collaboration with the Oxnard Police Activities League and Ventura County Public Health will present the inaugural “K through 12 Resource Fair” from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 at the Oxnard PAL…
Ventura Harley-Davidson matching funds for El Centrito campaign for after school STEAM academy
OXNARD — Ventura Harley-Davidson has joined El Centrito Family Learning Centers to the organization raise $8,000 during its five-day fundraising campaign to launch its after school STEAM Academy, the organization reported Friday. “Donate now and it will be matched by…
20th annual Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival to be held at Santa Barbara Bowl on Aug. 8
SANTA BARBARA — The 20th annual Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N Milpas St., Santa Barbara. Performing at this year’s milestone festival will be Ballet Folklorico de Los…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. to present health fair / feria de salad in Oxnard on Aug. 9
OXNARD — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will present a health fair / feria de salud from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9 at Parque del Sol, 1800 Camino del Sol, Oxnard. The event will feature blood pressure,…
Bilingual commentary: A father’s daughter who ruled over Jerusalem
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 Let…
Guest commentary: Gracias a la Vida!
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 Just…
August cover story: Local teens travel to D.C. to tour sights, talk politics
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria members visit with local representatives, discuss youth mentoring grants, STEM legislation, immigration and other pressing issues By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 After a long week of meeting with congressional representatives in Washington, D.C., discussing issues…
Commentary: TRIO grants at local institutions help first-generation students
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 At a time when some political leaders in Congress are trying to outdo themselves by cutting programs to the bone, first-generation college students recently received a significant boost with the awarding of federal grants…
Finance: WEV welcomes 18 entrepreneurs into the world of business
Students graduate from Santa Maria-based Advanced Spanish Self-Employment Training Course. Next session begins Aug. 18. Next orientation is Aug. 4 in Santa Maria Amigos805 staff reports Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) celebrated the accomplishments of 18 women and men graduating from…
Local business information
> The EDC-VC and EDD will present “Get it Right from the Start — State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 at the America’s Job Center of California, Simi Valley Room,…
Health: VCHCA celebrates ‘World Breastfeeding Week’
Amigos805 staff reports The Ventura County Health Care Agency has announced that it is supporting “World Breastfeeding Week,” which continues through Aug. 7. “VCHCA proudly supports breastfeeding as the cultural norm in our community by providing education, resources and support…
Local health information
> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of August in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-08 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
Standout Santa Maria High School students earn scholarships to prestigious Research Mentorship Program at UCSB
By Shelly Leachman / UCSB Determined to position herself for a successful future, Esmeralda Cruz is about as dedicated as teenagers come. Working hard and studying harder, she’s laser-focused on getting into college and, ultimately, forging a solid career. Asked…
Bilingual commentary: The Importance of a Positive Masculine Ally
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 Men,…
Guest commentary: ‘Hearts and Minds’ forgotten
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 Understanding…
Oxnard Salsa Festival returns to Plaza Park with special ‘Friday Night Concert’ on July 24
Amigos805 staff reports OXNARD — The 22nd annual Oxnard Salsa Festival returns to Plaza Park during the weekend of July 25 and 26. The festival kicks off with a special “Friday Night Concert” featuring Oscar Hernandez and Alma Libre, with…
Bilingual commentary: The Jerusalem Syndrome
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 According…
Linda Vega Dance Studio and ¡Flamenco! Santa Barbara to present ‘Romeria de Verano’ on July 25
SANTA BARBARA — The Linda Vega Dance Studio and ¡Flamenco! Santa Barbara will present ‘Romeria de Verano,’ an afternoon of flamenco dance and live music, featuring the city’s young flamenco professionals, at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25 at the Marjorie…
Guest commentary: From the cradle to the grave
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…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! awarded California Arts Council Local Impact Grant
SANTA BARBARA — The California Arts Council announced it plans to award ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! $8,040 as part of its Local Impact program, the organization reported in a media release. The Local Impact program fosters equity, access,…
Margarita H. de Escontrias selected as new CEO of Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.
VENTURA — The Board of Directors of the Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. (CEDC) has announced that Margarita H. de Escontrias has been selected as CEDC’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the organization reported in a media release. Ms. de Escontrias…
Presentation on Hispanic literature on July 18 has been rescheduled
OXNARD — The Oxnard Public Library has rescheduled the July 18 presentation by Dr. Jesus Gonzales on the development of Hispanic literature in the United States. More information will follow. Call 805-385-7532 or visit http://www.oxnardlibrary.net for more information.
Guest commentary: Murgia of the Past and Present
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…
Bilingual commentary: The Donald Dilemma
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…
VCCF awards nearly $1.2 million at annual scholarship reception
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded nearly $1.1 million in scholarships to local students at the recent 2015 Scholarship Awarded Reception attended by more than 400 students, their families, and many of the donors who made the awards…
Guest commentary: Remembering Ruben Jaramillo
A recent history of privatization 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.…
New book by UCSB’s Mario T. García explores the Chicano civil rights struggle in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s
By Andrea Estrada / UCSB The Chicano movement of the late 1960s and 1970s was the largest and most widespread civil rights and empowerment movement by Mexican-Americans in U.S. history. But without strong and dedicated leadership, it might not have…
Local writer to be part La Feria Chapina / the Guatemalan Fair in Los Angeles through July 12
Amigos805 staff reports René Corado, who has published his first book in Spanish — “El Lustrador / Dreams of a Shoeshine Boy,” has been invited to participate in La Feria Chapina / the Guatemalan Fair starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, July…
Bilingual commentary: The Fetters of Freedom
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 When…
July cover story: Cultural events heating up summer in 805 region
From performances by Teatro de las Américas to the Oxnard Salsa Festival and Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, events filling up summer season By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 From theatrical performances to moving to the salsa beat and…
Local news briefs
VENTURA COUNTY — The United Way of Ventura County has launched its “Stuff the Bus” campaign to collect new school supplies through July 23. The supplies will be “stuffed” into backpacks for children from low-income families, the organization reported in…
Commentary: Peoples’ Self-Help Housing helps to fight summer brain drain
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 With statistics showing that children lose one to three months of learning during the summer when they are out of school, it’s vital that parents find alternatives to keep those young minds active and…
Bilingual commentary: Americans—Not A Lazy People
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 Sometimes…
Bilingual report: Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates Spring 2015 WEV en Espanol’s Self Employment Training graduates
Next Spanish orientation to be held July 1 in Port Hueneme On Wednesday, June 17th, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) celebrated the accomplishments of twelve men and women from WEV en Español’s Advanced Self-Employment Training (SET) program during a graduation ceremony…
Local business information
> Ventura SCORE will present the small business workshop “How to manage your time and become more effective” at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 1 at the SCORE Office Thousand Oaks, 516 Pennsfield Place, Suite 206. Learn how you can free…
Health: ‘Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo’ set for Ventura
The “Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo, Southern California’s Premier LIfestyle, Health & Active Aging Expo” will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, in the San…
Local health information
> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of July in Ventura County. Click here to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
BGCOP appoints new members to its board of directors
Strategic business developer and bookkeeping/tax manager join the club’s leadership team OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme announces the addition of Gregory Siuta and Veronica Quintana to its board of directors. Siuta,…
Bilingual commentary: The Bat Mitzvah
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 This…
New LULAC Council in Paso Robles to serve San Luis Obispo
By Dave Rodriguez / State President California LULAC Last Thursday it was my pleasure to swear in our officers for the new council in Paso Robles. President Steve Orduno and his team organized opening ceremonies with a crowd of about…
Bilingual report: ‘Movement, Balance and Health!’ conference for older adults to be held in Oxnard on June 27
OXNARD — A “Movement, Balance and Health!” conference for older adults will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at the Oxnard Family Circle ADHC at “The Palms” Outlet Center, 2100 Outlet Center Drive, Unit 280,…
Women’s Economic Ventures to present free Spanish self-employment training orientation in Ventura County on July 1
VENTURA COUNTY — Women’s Economic Ventures will present free Spanish self-employment training orientation in Ventura County. Have you wanted to run your own business, but don’t know where to start? Or do you already own a business and want to expand?…
Javier Read de Alaniz named UCSB’s 2015-16 Plous Award Winner
Read de Alaniz will showcase his research in chemistry when he delivers the annual Plous Lecture next spring By Andrea Estrada / UCSB Javier Read de Alaniz, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UC Santa…
Bilingual commentary: The plight of Middle Eastern women
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 Recently,…
Guest commentary: The blessing of fatherhood
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 My…
Santa Paula Art Museum to present ‘John Nava: Selected Paintings and Tapestries’ starting June 20
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Art Museum will present “John Nava: Selected Paintings and Tapestries,” a survey of works by internationally renowned painter and tapestry designer John Nava from June 20 through Nov. 8 at 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula.…
UCSB announces winners of top awards
By Andrea Estrada / UCSB Three remarkable graduating seniors at UC Santa Barbara have been named winners of the university’s top awards for their scholastic achievement, their extraordinary service to the university and the community, and their personal courage and…
Bilingual commentary: Is this how Dementia feels?
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 I…