By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The majority of families must live on budgets. Heads of households where money is no object may be able to spend at will, but many men and women must develop budgets so their families’ everyday…
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 business information
> The CLU Center for Entrepreneurship will presernt “Startup Weekend Conejo Valley” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 at the Huddle Campus. The day after the Cal Lutheran New Venture Competition finals, the first Startup Weekend Conejo Valley will be…
Health: Encourage a love of physical activity in youngsters
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, children and adolescents should engage in physical activity for 60 minutes or more each day. While fulfilling those requirements might not have been a…
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 May in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-05 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
Bilingual commentary: When I lit up like a flower
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 In…
Guest commentary: The Oxnard Multicultural Mental Health Coalition Latino Mental Health Survey
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 We all…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present ‘Challenging the Borders of Education: Undocumented Students …’ on April 30
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center will present the Race Matters discussion of “ Challenging the Borders of Education: Undocumented Students and Public Pedagogy – Jennifer Nájera” at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the MCC Lounge. Who are our teachers? A critical…
Oxnard College Theatre Club to present ‘A Stand-Up Comedy Fundraiser’ on May 1
OXNARD — The Oxnard College Theatre Club presents “A Stand-Up Comedy Fundraiser” at 8 p.m. Friday, May 1 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The event features comics Jason Love, Frank Lucero, Mary Patterson Broome and Dwayne…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present film screening of ‘Cesar’s Last Fast’ on April 29
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center will present the film screening of “Cesar’s Last Fast” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 at the MCC Theater. In 1988, César Chávez embarked on what would be the final act of protest in his…
El Concilio profile: José Alamillo
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…
CSU Channel Islands chosen to host 2016 national conference for Hispanic-Serving Institutions
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands has taken a lead role in a national organization dedicated to helping Hispanic-serving institutions or HSIs. In March of 2016, the university will become the first of the CSU campuses to host the Alliance of Hispanic…
Bilingual commentary: After the demise of parents
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…
Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Bellíssíma Italia’ on April 23
OXNARD —Teatro de las Américas will present “Bellíssíma Italia” from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 23 at the Condor Café at Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The gourmet dinner concert features the music and gastronomy of Italy.…
Ballet Folklórico Mestizo Spring 2015 to be held April 24, 25
OXNARD — Ballet Folklórico Mestizo Spring 2015 will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The event will feature a special performance by the Oxnard…
Guest commentary: Oxnard Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training is a Fraud
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 As with…
Guest commentary: In Search of the almond
Impaction: A Symptom 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. By Rodolfo…
El Concilio Family Services announces 26th Annual Latino Leadership Awards
OXNARD — A university professor, a Vietnam veteran, a registered nurse, a successful high school senior, a military officer and a police sergeant will be recognized when El Concilio Family Services presents its 26th annual Latino Leadership Awards at a…
Bilingual commentary: Educating the child at Oxnard College
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 Parents…
Guest commentary: In the name of justice and love, stop the killings
Only a Community Police Review Board can reform the Oxnard Police Department 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…
Guest commentary: ¡Agua y Libertad!
What do you do with Chicana/o Studies? 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…
Teatro de las Américas to present ‘The Truth Can’t Be Trusted / La verdad sospechos’ through April 19
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas will present “The Truth Can’t Be Trusted / La verdad sospechosa” at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 5 p.m. Sundays, April 9 through 19 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose…
Oxnard College Performing Arts Center to present ’53 Million & 1′ on April 15
OXNARD — The Oxnard College Performing Arts Center will present the Latino Thought Makers Series program — ’53 Million & 1? at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 at 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) brings to Oxnard…
County Chief Probation Officer Mark Varela named president of statewide association
VENTURA – Ventura County Chief Probation Officer Mark Varela has been named as the president of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), county officials reported in a media release. The 55-year-old organization is based in Sacramento and Varela is…
Bilingual commentary: Rain, Gods and Saints
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 As…
CSU Channel Islands to present ‘Si, Se Puede — Four Latina recent Math Ph.D’s share their journeys’ on April 8
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands will present “Si, Se Puede — Four Latina recent Math Ph.D’s share their journeys” beginning with a reception from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at El Dorado Hall 110. Join four Latina recent PhDs to…
Santa Paula Museum of Art to present Gallery Talk: ‘How Coming from Uruguay Influenced My Work’ with Sylvia Raz on April 9
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Museum of Art will present its next Gallery Talk: “How Coming from Uruguay Influenced My Work” with Sylvia Raz at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 9 at 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula. Artist Sylvia Raz…
LULAC to present inaugural ‘Health & Awareness Summit’ in Oxnard on April 9
OXNARD — The League of United Latin American Citizens — District 17 — Ventura County will present its inaugural “Health & Awareness Summit — Don’t mess with the Seniors” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 9 at the Oxnard…
CSU Channel Islands to present ‘Farmworker Immersion Project with VC CLUE’ on April 10
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands will present the “Farmworker Immersion Project with VC CLUE” from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 10. The project places students in the community learning about farmworker rights and immigration issues. We will visit farmworkers, their…
20th annual ‘César E. Chávez Memorial Celebration — March for Justice’ to be held on April 12
OXNARD — The 20th annual ‘César E. Chávez Memorial Celebration — March for Justice’ will begin with the community gathering at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 12 at Oxnard Southwinds Park, 300 W. Clara St., with the march to begin at 10:30…
Literary Quinceañera for author’s ‘My Very Own Room / Mi propio cuartito’ to be held in Ventura on April 12
VENTURA — In honor of Dia del Niño/Dia del Libro (Day of the Child/Day of the Book) the community of Ventura County is invited to a literary Quinceañera, a special birthday party for Amada Irma Perez’s (Ventura) first picture book, My…
Guest commentary: His Mexican
Age of the brokers 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…
April cover story: The legacy of César E. Chávez continues
Community marches, forums, service-learning projects and film screenings to be presented in the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It’s hard to imagine that César E. Chávez, who was born in the desert lands near Yuma, Arizona, was a big…
April cover story: One reporter’s view of a 20th-century icon
Coverage of march from Santa Paula to Cabrillo Village in Saticoy opened up the world of reporting on local, national events By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Was it really more than a quarter of century ago when I first…
Commentary: Pew Research Center provides timely info on Hispanic trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 How many of you dear readers know that the number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. holding down blue-collar jobs is still below levels seen before the Great Recession? Guess we don’t need to…
Local news briefs
VENTURA COUNTY — Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College are offering a variety of classes this summer from general education to career technical education, basic skills and transfer courses, the Ventura County Community College District reported in a media…
Finance: Build a travel budget without compromising your trip
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Many men and women dream of vacationing overseas, where they can experience another country’s culture and history. Such trips tend to be expensive, but travelers who develop a budget in advance of their trips can…
Local business information
> The Economic Development Collaborative — Ventura County has launched its “Virtual Business Advisor,” a web-based economic development tool at http://www.qlbs.com/Qonline/EDC/ The free assessment and business assistance program is for businesses of any size, in any industry. EDC-VC is hosting…
Health: Snack foods that promote better sleep
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) According to the National Sleep Foundation, changes in sleep patterns are a part of the aging process. Many people experience difficulty falling asleep and then staying asleep as they age, and that difficulty can make…
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 April in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-04 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura…
Bilingual commentary: The Big Band Dance
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 Last…
Bilingual report: State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson — On César Chávez Day, let us remember his call for justice, service
SACRAMENTO – The life of civil rights leader and labor organizer César Chávez will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 31. In honor of that day, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) released this statement: “As we approach what would have been his 88th…
Historian, author Vicki L. Ruiz to speak on ‘The Right to Remember: Latina Labor Leaders in California Agriculture’ at CSUCI on April 1
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) will host Latina scholar, historian and author Vicki L. Ruiz for “The Right to Remember: Latina Labor Leaders in California Agriculture, 1939-1961,” Wednesday, April 1, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the John Spoor Broome Library,…
Oxnard College to present César Chávez Celebration on March 31
OXNARD — Oxnard College will present a free César Chávez Day Celebration and documentary screening from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Part of the Latinologues / Rick Najera…
Hancock graduate selected as ‘One of Top 30 Students in California Community Colleges’
SANTA MARIA — A recent Allan Hancock College graduate has been recognized as one of the top 30 students enrolled in California’s 112 community colleges. Daniela Calderon was one of 30 students from 24 community colleges selected to the Phi…
Guest commentary: The Oxnard Multicultural Mental Health (OMMH) Coalition is established
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 I have…
Bilingual commentary: Wellness Center provides help for those struggling with mental health conditions
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 the Wellness Center Depression,…
Bilingual commentary: Attachment vs. Passion
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 Most…
CSU Channel Islands panel explores local Latina women baseball teams around WWII during presentation on March 25
CAMARILLO — With the men off fighting World War II, women were left to take over jobs and in some cases, baseball diamonds. The 1992 Movie “A League of Their Own” dramatized the creation of the wartime All-American Girls Professional…
‘Oxnard Caravana (43) — Todos somas Ayotzinapa’ el 26 de marzo en Oxnard
OXNARD — “Oxnard Caravana (43) — Todos somas Ayotzinapa — ¡Su dolor es nuestro dolor!” comienza a las 5:30 pm el 26 de marzo in la Placita de Oxnard, 500 S. C St. Caminaremos a Café on A, 438 S.…
Frank Barajas to speak on the ‘Rise of the Chicano Movement in Southern California, 1960-1975’ starting March 27
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands Professor Frank Barajas will present the program “Curious Uprisings: The Rise of the Chicano Movement in Southern California, 1960 to 1975″ starting March 27 as part of the six-week Osher Lifelearning Institute (OLLI) course at CSUCI.…
Ventura College to host 28th annual Latina Leadership Network Conference through March 28
VENTURA — Ventura College will host the Latina Leadership Network’s (LLN) 28th Annual Conference, “Latina Leadership: Pursuing Equity in the 21st Century” from March 26 through 28, college officials reported in a media release. The conference will focus on the impact…
Video Watch Party for the ‘Arriba Con Hillary’ video to be held in Oxnard on March 27
OXNARD — A video watch party for “¡Arriba Con Hillary!” will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 27 at Downtown Sol, 328 W. Third St., in the Lopez building in downtown Oxnard, organizers reported in a media release. The…
Guest commentary: No, it is not wrong to celebrate Cesar Chavez Day!
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 In…
Trudy Arriaga selected as ‘Woman of the Year’ by Assemblymember Williams
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Das Williams (D – Carpinteria) has selected Ventura Unified School District Superintendent Trudy Arriaga to represent the 37th Assembly District as the 2015 Woman of the Year. “It has been a privilege to work with Dr. Arriaga…
Bilingual commentary: When failing math really hurts
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 It…
Guest commentary: St. Patrick’s Day also a time to remember strong Irish-Mexican connection
Editor’s note: A timely re-posting of a 2013 column by Mona AlvaradoFrazier. Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editors and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily…
Café on A to present ‘La Cosecha / The Harvest’ photo exhibit, film screening on March 21
OXNARD — The Dr. Rodolfo F. Acuña Art Gallery & Cultural Center at Café on A will present “La Cosecha / The Harvest” photo exhibit and film screening from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at 438 S. A St.,…
Guest commentary: History is important but beware of warped historical memories
La llorona and el cucuy 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.…
Former Allan Hancock College ESL instructor to walk nearly 500 miles to fundraise for scholarship in memory of Fidel Herrera
Michael McMahon plans to help his former mentor fulfill a lifelong dream of creating a scholarship at Hancock for ESL students SANTA MARIA — For more than 20 years, Fidel Herrera taught English as a second language (ESL) classes…
Bilingual commentary: Banning the American Flag?
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’m…
12th annual Santa Barbara Brazilian Carnaval ‘Cultural’ to begin March 14
SANTA BARBARA — The 12th Santa Barbara Brazilian Carnaval “Cultural” will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14 with the “Feijoada Sabor Carnaval” and the open house at the Brazil Arts Café, 1230 State St, Santa Barbara, event organizers…
Guest commentary: Oxnard — The Arts City of Ventura County
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 city…
Guest commentary: Impaction meeting bizarre
The illusion in the making 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.…
Early Academic Outreach Program brings colleges and universities to high schools in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties
By Andrea Estrada / UCSB The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara will hold its annual spring Higher Education Week, a four-day event beginning on Tuesday, March 10. Representatives from universities, colleges and other institutions of higher…
March cover story: Opening their hearts, home to foster children
Foster VC Kids seeks to double amount of foster caregivers in Ventura County By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While National Foster Care Awareness Month actually falls in May, Elizabeth Thasiah wants to raise that awareness immediately because of the…