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…
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 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…
Bilingual report: Tickets now on sale for 20th annual Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
SANTA BARBARA — Tickets are now on sale for the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival, which returns to the Santa Barbara Bowl on Saturday Aug. 8 to celebrate it’s 20th Anniversary. Performing at this year’s milestone Festival will be: Ballet Folklorico de…
CLU student gets national research fellowship
Oxnard resident spending the summer in a Texas lab HOUSTON — A California Lutheran University student is researching muscle and neuronal development at the Baylor College of Medicine this summer as the recipient of a prestigious fellowship, the university reported…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! awarded NEA grant for presenting performances, sharing cultures
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! has received a grant of $20,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts to further its program of performances and educational outreach in 2015-2016, the organization reported in a media release.…
The UCSB Library acquires major Chicano/Latino graphic art collection from San Francisco’s Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
By Andrea Estrada / UCSB The UC Santa Barbara Library has acquired two individual art collections from the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA) in San Francisco’s Mission District, university officials reported in a media release. Together they consist…
El Concilio profile: Many Mansions and One Step a la Vez
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2015 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Saturday, June 6 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click here or call 805-486-9777 for…
Assemblymembers tour Oxnard nonprofit preschool center
Visit highlights local and statewide issues in early childhood education for agricultural families Oxnard, CA – The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) is a non-profit, community-based organization that was established in 1963 in order to serve disadvantaged individuals and families throughout…
Guest commentary: Power Corrupts, Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely!
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 The…
June cover story: Stopping the summer brain drain for students
While Hispanic students have been making gains in classrooms during the year, summer becomes a crucial time to maintain those educational achievements By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Summer vacation time is upon us. K-through-12 schools are busy completing their…
Commentary: June is a time for new faces at two area nonprofit organizations
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While change is in the air for two 805 area nonprofits, the new faces of those organizations will be quite familiar to local residents. Marcos Vargas has left his position as executive director of…
Bilingual commentary: The mess we leave behind
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…
Local news briefs
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation awarded more than $563,000 in scholarships to 284 Ventura College students in May, the organization reported in a media release. Awards ranged from $500 to $9,500 and were presented by the foundation to recipients…
Finance: Consuls general from Asian countries to visit CSUCI
Panel talk to focus on how local businesses can trade with emerging Asian markets CAMARILLO — Small and medium-sized businesses in Ventura County can and should be trading with emerging Asian markets, according to CSU Channel Islands (CI) economic expert…