By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Michele Serros fans, mark your calendars. Lulu y Mucha present a Lucy Rodriguez film based on a short story from Serros’ book “How to Be a Chicana Role Model.” It debuts at the Ventura Film Festival,…
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."
Das Williams states case for approved state budget
While not liking the recently-approved California state budget because of its deep levels of cuts, Assemblymember Das Williams said it is the only solution that “mathematically works” given early refusal by Republicans to let voters extend tax revenues. Democrats on…
‘Can Film Festival’ opening June 29 to benefit FOOD Share
The Pacific View Mall on Wednesday, June 29 will host the first installment of the “Can Film Festival,” a ten-event series of free family movie nights to benefit FOOD Share, Ventura County’s regional food bank. The screenings will take place…
Free business seminar on June 29 in Ventura
“Tools for success and growth: When businesses thrive, so does our communty,” a free business forum, 7:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 29 at the City of Ventura, 501 Poli St., Ventura. Seminar includes information on marketing, QuickBooks, business plans,…
Supporters attend Zaragoza reelection breakfast
A group of more than 500 supporters, including local business owners, elected officials, labor representatives and community leaders joined together at Casa Lopez in Oxnard to celebrate the opening event to re-elect John Zaragoza to the Ventura County Board of…
Bilingual update: Whooping cough vaccine clinic set for June 30 in Santa Paula
The Ventura County Health Care Agency Las Islas Mobile Medical Clinic & Public Health Immunization Program have partnered to offer low-cost or no-cost Tdap vaccine for students entering 7th – 12th grade this year, 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30…
El Concilio Family Services ‘Youth Art Exhibit’ on July 1
El Concilio Family Services will present a “Youth Art Exhibit” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 1 at the Downtown Center for the Arts, 329 N. 5th St., Oxnard. Artwork is from the third session of the Youth Painters…
Bilingual update: Teatro concludes its ‘Readers’ Theater’ series June 24-26
Teatro de las Américas concludes its Readers’ Theater series with its third production, “The Immigrant Experience.” Written and produced by Ángela Cruz and the Actors’ Workshop, the one-act play is based on stories collected by the Actors’ Workshop about the…
Commentary: Reminiscences and wisdom
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Ever since I read “The Old Man and the Sea” for high school English, I have been an ardent fan of Ernest Hemingway, but I was disappointed when I read “The Moveable Feast” at the…
Commentary: Staying healthy in an unhealthy nation
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Summer is at last arriving! Here on the coast, the sun manages to finally break through the clouds every day and bestows upon us a tempered warmth that invites us all to head for the…
Commentary: Staycations
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor School is out, summer is officially here, and the kids want to go on vacation. What do you do when you have limited resources and time? You ‘staycation.’ “What’s that?” the kids said when I…
Film screening of ‘Memories of a Mexican’ on June 23
The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation will present the film screening for “Memories of a Mexican” at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23 at Presido Chapel at El Presido de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, 123 E. Canon Perdido…
Bilingual update: Breast cancer awareness lecture set for June 21
The Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) education will present a lecture on the non-medical challenges that can accompany a breast cancer diagnosis, including insurance, financial resources, housing, and transportation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 at the Tannahill Auditorium, Schott Center,…
EDC-VC to hold free manufacturing seminar June 22
The free business and information seminar “Strengthening Manufacturers: Manufacturing from start to success,” begins with registration at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 22 at the Ventura County Office of Education, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo. The forum will be from 8:30 to…
Tortilla art dinner/dance fundraiser set for June 24
A dinner/dance fundraiser and exhibition of the tortilla art of Gloria Hidrogo will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24 at Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar, 455 So A St., Oxnard. “Gloria was invited to exhibit her tortilla art…
Commentary: New in downtown Ventura
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I lived in Ventura from 2003 to 2007 and after living in Boston and then Paris for four years, moved back to Ventura three months ago. I wouldn’t give up my adventures in Boston…
Mente sana/cuerpo sano talleres 18, 25 de junio
La Casa de la Raza en Santa Barbara te invita a una serie de talleres enfocados en la salud familiar. Cuidado de ninos y comida! sabado 18 de junio – 11-1 pm Derechos de los inmigrantes y como apoyar a la…
‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign set for June 21
On Tuesday, June 21 — the longest day of the year — United Way of Ventura County will launch its second annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign which is part of its Day of Action, the organization reported in a media…
Commentary: It’s not easy being a pescetarian
By David Magallanes/ Guest contributor Wikipedia, the online free (but very informative) encyclopedia, defines what I practice: Pescetarianism is the practice of a diet that includes seafood, and excludes other animals. In addition to fish and/or shellfish, a pescetarian diet typically…
Groups present redistricting workshop on June 18
In preparation for the California Redistricting Commission public hearing, a redistricting workshop will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18 at Driffill Elementary School, 910 So. E St., Oxnard. The commission has submitted an initial proposal that…
MICOP to hold monthly meeting on June 18
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project presents its monthly community meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard. English-speaking volunteers needed for literacy program. Call Donna Foster at 805.483.1166, send an email…
Commentary: Toes in the sand. Nose in a book
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier /Guest contributor This catchy headline is the title for Border’s summer book list. Now if we could just find the time to read the entire list and have the money to buy all the books. Since that’s…
Ventura County Contractors Association announces 2011 scholarship recipients
Twelve students receive scholarships to continue education in the construction industry Francisco Cancinco of California Polytechnic at Pomona; Eric Pinuelas, Adolfo Camarillo High School and John Lopez of California Polytechnic at San Luis Obispo were among the 12 Ventura County students…
Capps reports new potential funding for region’s military bases
Key federal funding for the construction of a new education center at Vandenberg Air Force Base and a training facility at Naval Base Ventura County was included in H.R. 2055, the Fiscal Year 2012 Military Construction-VA Appropriations bill that…
Commentary: Das Williams says no to Ormond Beach project
Dear Friends, A proposed 1,500-unit housing project adjacent to Ormond Beach in South Oxnard will be before the City Council on Tuesday, June 14. I have strongly opposed this project and continue to do so, joining the Environmental Defense Center (EDC),…
Latino Links: Political Trends
The proposed redistricting for California is a “Worst-Case Scenario” for Latinos in California, according to a news report on June 11 by New American Media. The first batch of political maps by California’s new Citizens Redistricting Commission is having exactly the…
Claudia Pardo’s ‘Atmostfear’ opening reception on June 11
The opening reception for “Atmostfear,” new painting by Claudia Pardo, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at the Upfront Gallery, 267 So. Laurel St., Ventura. The exhibit will continue through July 2. Call 805.405.4954 for more…
Public hearing set June 15 on Edison’s proposed $3.6 billion rate increase
The community is asked to voice its opposition to a proposed $3.6 billion rate increase by Southern California Edison at a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) hearing from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 15 at the Oxnard City Hall…
Commentary: The joys and challenges of living in the most beautiful city in the world
By Boyd Lemon / Guest columnist I lived in Paris for most of a year — from June 2010 to April 2011 — a dream I shared with many people for a long time. I found living in Paris full…
Pregúntale a tu abogado viernes 10 de Junio en Oxnard
Foro sobre asuntos legales, este viernes 10 de Junio de 5 a 8 AM en el Consulado de México, 3151 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. 805.984.8738, ext. 112 y 103, www.consulmexoxnard.com
Commentary: The Kiss
By David Magallanes/ Guest columnist Walking into my home, you might suddenly get the feeling that you’d entered an art museum. Before you jump to any conclusions, I can’t draw or paint my way out of a paper bag. But my…
Latino Professional Network event set for June 9 in L.A.
Poet Enedina Castañeda of Santa Maria reports that the Latino Professional Network will present its “Fuego!” networking event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9 at the Belasco Theater, 1050 So. Hill St., downtown Los Angeles. “1,200 successful Latino leaders from L.A.,…
Commentary: SouthShore development deserves a yes vote from Oxnard Council
By Maria Elena Cruz / Member LULAC District Board In a few days the Oxnard City Council will make a crucial decision — whether to approve or deny an important new proposed community development in South Oxnard. Your involvement as…
LULAC District 17 seeks community support at June 9 Rio School District meeting
The League of United Latin American Citizens — Ventura County District 17, is seeking community members to come out to support Rio School District Trustees Eleanor Torres, Henrietta Macias and Ray Rodriguez during the Rio School District board meeting at…
Commentary: Summer reads for teens
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier /Guest contributor Secretary of Education Arne Duncan described summer learning loss as “devastating.” Researchers often refer to this loss as the “summer slide.” Studies show that students’, who read more, read better; they also write better, spell…
Updated: Zaragoza announces his bid for re-election
Ventura County Supervisor John C. Zaragoza has announced his bid for re-election at a media conference held Monday, June 6 at the Ventura County Government Center. “I am proud of my achievements as a County Supervisor. In a short time,…
Community urged to call in to fight Oxnard redistricting
Oxnard residents are being urged to call the California Redistricting Commission to voice their opposition to a proposal that would split Oxnard into two Assembly District. Half of Oxnard’s residents, as well as Santa Paula and Fillmore, would be split and go…
Mexican Consulate posts June activities
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has posted its events calendar for the month of June. Click here to get PDF of June calendar.
Latino Links: Political Trends
The Tequila Party is coming to a state near year. Latinos seeking to counter the influence on immigration policy by the tea party movement have launched the movement with the slogan “Your shot at change,” according to a report in…
Guest column: Getaway — The jewell of the Central Coast
By Boyd Lemon / Guest columnist Last week I suggested downtown Ventura as a getaway for my 805 amigos who need to get away for a couple of days, but didn’t want to get on an airplane or drive for…