Organization also announces annual meeting in conjunction with VCEDA’s annual installation on Jan. 19 By Bruce Stenslie / President/CEO, Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County California’s Labor Market Information Division released its November 2011 report earlier today (Dec. 16), continuing for a…
Category: Business
Commentary: The American Dream — Part II
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor I realize that for a lot of Americans these days, the only hope of coming even close to attaining the American dream of our immediate ancestors is — well, getting a job, a virtual mirage for so…
Downtown Sol presenting ‘Gentleman’s Night’ on Dec. 15
Downtown Sol is having a Gentleman’s Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at 328 W. Third St., Oxnard. The event is hosted Dr. Manuel Lopez, Fred Messecar, Art Hernandez, Dr. Adolfo Murillo, Alfredo Plascencia and Fifth…
Commentary: ‘Save Your Family First’ free foreclosure prevention clinics held each Wednesday
By Michael and Stephen Szakos / Guest contributors Among the downtown Oxnard storefronts, a weekly gathering is attracting local residents trying to save their homes. Each Wednesday night, volunteers are working with homeowners facing foreclosures. The situation is all too…
Oxnard City Council approves public access channel effort
By a unanimous vote, the Oxnard City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 6 awarded the operation of Channel 25, a public access channel, to Fuerza Latina Health Association, a nonprofit group led by broadcast journalist David Cruz. Cruz, formerly a reporter…
FOOD Share seeks to keep up with growing demand
‘Turkey Trot’ on Nov. 24, ‘Tackle Hunger’ among programs this holiday season From participating in an annual race in Ventura, to launching a program that will ultimately collect hundreds of thousands of pounds of donated food this holiday season, officials and…
Clinicas earns primary care medical home designation
VENTURA — Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety as a Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH). The special designation…
Volunteer tax preparers needed
The Ventura County Financial Empowerment Partnership is currently recruiting tax preparation volunteers. Each year, volunteer tax preparers assist low- and moderate-income earners (under $49,000) prepare and e-file their tax returns, making sure they access all the tax credits to which they…
Artists, fun seekers to ‘occupy Downtown Oxnard’ during Art Beat on Nov. 12
From antiquities to contemporary works inspired by today’s headlines, November Art Beat features diverse cultural offerings along with entertainment in local galleries & nightspots. Art Beat 2nd Saturdays, Downtown Oxnard’s monthly showcase of art, dining and entertainment will feature more…
Oxnard City Council on Nov. 8 to discuss Spanish-language broadcast
Oxnard City Councilmember Carmen Ramirez distributed the following information regarding the 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 meeting focusing on simultaneous broadcast in Spanish of Oxnard City Council meeting: “To people who care about the people of Oxnard — Approximately 30% of Oxnard’s homes are Spanish-speaking.…
More Día de los Muertos activities planned this week
Community groups, businesses and other organizations continue to add to the Día de los Muertos celebration calendar. Amigos805.com will continue to post updates as they become available. The Centro Mujer Community Center presents its Día de los Muertos celebration from…
Commentary: The Occupiers
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor We read about them and see them on the daily news: the Occupiers of Wall Street, Chicago, San Francisco, and now even of Ventura. They are protesting the economic conditions that have befallen the…
CVUUF community forum set for Oct. 27 in Newbury Park
The Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is presenting the CVUUF Community Forum David Korten — “American Awakening: From Wall Street Protests to a Main Street Economy,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 3327 Old…
Hartung appointed director of the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute at CSU Channel Islands
CAMARILLO — Elizabeth Hartung has been appointed as the new director of the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at CSU Channel Islands, university officials reported Friday in a media release. “I am very pleased…
Real estate fraud town hall meeting set for Oct. 20 in Oxnard
“Don’t Be A Victim!” Real estate fraud town hall meeting, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the South Oxnard Community Center, 200 E. Bard, Oxnard. Hosted by Ventura County Supervisors Kathy Long and John C. Zaragoza. Call Long’s office at…
Downtown Sol to hold grand opening Oct. 8
Downtown Sol will hold its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 at 328 W. Third St., downtown Oxnard. Featuring handcrafted clothing, gift items, paintings, jewelry, handbags and other items in the historic Lopez Building. Opening…
Latino Business Expo set for Sept. 29
The Latino Business Expo will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Four Points by Sheraton, Ventura Harbor Resort, 1050 Schooner Drive, Ventura. The theme for this year is Tacos, Tequila and Tamales. Call 805.216.1927…
CSU’s ‘Channel Magazine’ features Lacayo Institute
The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) has been featured in a new article by Lori Putnam at CSU Channel Islands “Channel Magazine.” Launched last November, the non-profit and non-partisan Institute is named for Hank Lacayo,…
Das Williams: Assembly passes tax relief for middle class families
Plan also Closes Tax Loophole and Helps Small Businesses SACRAMENTO — Assembly Democrats and two Republican’s approved a plan on Sept 8 that includes an income tax break for working families and provides an incentive for job creation here in…
Capps applauds outline of American Jobs Act, urges House leadership to bring bill to the floor
WASHINGTON – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s address to Congress and outline of the American Jobs Act. “Tonight, President Obama laid out several straightforward, bipartisan proposals to create jobs and…
Latino Links: Media trends
To counter opponents of NBC’s proposed merger with Comcast last year, NBC promoted a number of TV series featuring minorities. But little more than six months after the approval of the merger by the Federal Communications Commission, some of NBCUniversal’s…
EDC-VC global trade classes start on Aug. 22
The Economic Development Collaborative — Ventura County and the California Small Business Development Center will present Global Trade Classes starting Aug. 22 at Santa Barbara City College. Taught by Ray Bowman, international trade expert and Small Business Development Center director,…
Mora to lead CSU Channel Islands Alumni & Friends board
Fernando Mora has been elected president of the 2011-2012 Alumni & Friends Association Board of Directors for CSU Channel Islands, the institution reported on Wednesday. “This is a very important opportunity for me to give back time and energy to…
Latino artists, community well represented in Downtown Oxnard Art Beat on Aug. 13
The Downtown Oxnard Art Beat will feature a variety of art, music, dancing and dining opportunities from 5 p.m. to closing time on Saturday, Aug. 13 at various venues in downtown Oxnard. Area art spaces and restaurants will be offering…
Reservations due Aug. 10 for SCE’s ENLACES Latino Community Forum
Southern California Edison will present the “2011 ENLACES Latino Community Forum and Capacity-Building Workshop” from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at Casa Lopez Restuarant, 325 So. A St., Oxnard, El Concilio Family Services reported this week. The…
Breakfreee.org free financial seminar on Aug. 9 in Oxnard
Breakfreee.org is sponsoring free sessions on finances from 6 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesday (Aug. 9) and the fourth Thursday (Aug. 25) of each month at 415 W. Fifth St., Oxnard (6 to 7 p.m. by appointment and 7 to 8 p.m. for…
It was ‘Magic’ for Tri-Counties Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Program
Instructor opens the door of opportunity to high school students during MAGIC Camp for high school girls. Members of the Tri-Counties Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Program in Ventura, were thinking pink the week of July 15 at MAGIC Camp (Mentor…
Latino Links: Economic trends
Median household wealth among Hispanics fell by 66 percent from $18,359 in 2005 to $6,325 in 2009, according to a new report by the Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends project. That was the largest percentage drop for any racial…
Poet Enedina Castañeda to speak at July 23 conference
Santa Maria educator and poet Enedina Castañeda, author of Del Puño y Mente de Una Mujer… Poemas, will speak at the seminario “El Desafío de Triunfar,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at the Holiday Inn, 14299 Firestone Blvd., La Mirada.…
Job, health fair scheduled for July 13
A “Job and Health Fair” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 at the Housing Authority of San Buenaventura. Some of the employers include Panda Express, Data Exchange, Marriott Hotel, Pet Smart, Time Warner, Labor…
Latino Links: Media Trends
Biculturalism is a key to understanding the advertising, marketing and media consumption habits of Latinos in the United States, according to a recent study by Horowitz Associates. In its annual FOCUS: Latino Report, 18 percent of those Latinos surveyed identified…
CSUCI’s Lacayo Institute receives $25,000 grant from AT&T
The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at California State University, Channel Islands, recently received a grant for $25,000 from AT&T, the university reported Wednesday in a media release. The grant will fund a Telecommunications/Technology Literacy/Workforce…
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,…
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…
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…
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),…
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…
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.,…
Lacayo Institute at CSU Channel Islands receives $60,000 grant from Southern California Gas Co.
The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at California State University, Channel Islands, has recently received a grant for $60,000 from the Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), the university reported on June 2. The HLI…
Das Williams: Bills garner bipartisan support on way to State Senate
Assemblymember Das Williams on June 1 shepherded two bills off the Assembly floor and on to the State Senate. Both bills, AB 1303 and AB 178, passed with bipartisan support, Williams’ office reported in a media release. “I am pleased…
Free business seminar set for May 31 in Oxnard
“Business Strategies and Retirement Plans for Small Businesses” will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 at the Downtown District Oxnard Management office, 445 So. B St., Oxnard, next to Plaza Park. This free presentation is sponsored by www.breakfreee.org…
Cabrillo celebrates 30th anniversary with Family Festival on June 4
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a family festival and resource fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4. The event, “Pathways to Peace and Prosperity,” is free to the public and will take place at Plaza Park,…
Guest column: I’ll take that…
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist Would you like death or taxes with that? That’s how it feels sometimes as I write out quarterly checks for estimated taxes to the state and federal tax collection agencies. After going through this tasteless…
Williams pesticide regulation bill passes committee
Assembly Bill 1176, which would implement enforceable timelines under the Toxic Air Contaminant Act with respect to pesticides, passed the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on April 26, Assemblymember Das Williams, D-35 Assembly District, reported recently. The proposed legislation…
Free business directory advertisement
As Amigos805.com celebrates its two-year anniversary in May, we wish to thank our supporters by providing a free business directory advertisement during the month — a $65 value. The advertisement is available to businesses, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. The…
Guest column: If I were a woman …
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist I’ve often wondered what life is like for women. It can’t be easy — not that it’s easy for men, either. But I don’t believe we men can ever fathom the universe in which women…
Latino Links: Technology Trends
Hispanics online tend to be younger, use the Internet more when making purchasing decisions and prefer English-language online media, according to results from a new survey conducted by AOL Advertising in partnership with the consulting group Cheskin Added Value. Hispanics…
Latino Business Expo VIP mixer set for April 25
The VIP mixer for the Latino Business Expo will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 25 at The Kitchen Craft Beer Brewery & Bakery, 529 So. A St., Oxnard. This is the last chance to get free tickets to…
Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar open for Easter brunch on April 24
Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar in Oxnard will be officially open for Brunch on Sunday’s starting on Easter Sunday. Chef Martin Ledesma promises to bring style and creativity to the Sunday menus including all your traditional favorites of a carving…
CSU Channel Islands to hold career fair April 21
CSU Channel Islands will hold its 9th annual Career and Internship Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 21 at the John Spoor Broome Library Plaza. This is an opportunity for university undergraduate students to meet local businesses…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
Lacayo Institute receives $100,000 grant from Verizon
Verizon has presented a $100,000 grant to expand the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at CSU Channel Islands, Richard R. Rush, university president, reported in a media release. “We are pleased to have an…
Latino Links: Business/Finance Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The nation’s sluggish economy has had a significant impact on mortgage lending to Latinos, while the community is getting tax time help in Spanish. The Chicago Sun Times reports that lending to Hispanics plummets…
Guest column: The craft of wishing
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist I’ve always enjoyed walking through a bookstore, perusing the books on the shelves, just as I used to do as a child when my father would take me with him to the Los Angeles…
Latino Links: Digital Media Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The power of Latinos on the Internet is being debated in couple of reports released recently. Latinos are less likely than whites to access the Internet, have a home broadband connection or own a…
Guest column: Putting out fires, or lighting up our world?
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist In his book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen Covey challenges his readers to consider using his “Time Management Matrix,” which consists of four quadrants. We can occupy our time performing tasks…
Limoneira president to speak Feb. 11 at CSU Channel Islands
Harold S. Edwards, president and CEO of the Limoneira Co., will be a featured speaker at California State University, Channel Islands on Friday, Feb. 11. Edwards is appearing as part of the spring speaker series presented by the Martin V.…