Category: Commentary

United Way of Ventura County — Mountain Fire Needs Assessment Survey

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Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted by the Mountain Fire. We understand what an unpredictable and challenging time lies ahead for so many of our community members as they navigate seeking aid and resources in the face of tremendous loss. 

Ventura County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VCVOAD) has created a needs assessment form to support Ventura County community members impacted by the Mountain Fire.

If you, or someone you know, has been impacted, please fill out the Needs Assessment Form below or call 2-1-1 for assistance. This form can also be found on our Disaster Relief website page.

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Ventura County Community Foundation Accepting Emergency Donations for Mountain Fire

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Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

We extend our deepest gratitude to our first responders, the County of Ventura, local municipalities, the State of California, and our dedicated elected officials who have been working tirelessly to support and advocate for our community during the challenges posed by the Mountain Fire. We are acutely aware of the pain our neighbors are experiencing—those who have lost their homes and those whose livelihoods are at risk.

We also recognize and commend the many nonprofits that have stepped forward to assist those most in need, including our cherished animals, both large and small, and childcare providers

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Gov. Newsom convenes a special session of the Legislature to protect California values

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SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom (on Nov. 7) issued a proclamation convening a special session of the California Legislature to safeguard California values and fundamental rights in the face of an incoming Trump administration. The special session will focus on bolstering California legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families.

This is the first of several actions by the Newsom Administration, in partnership with the Legislature, as the Governor begins shoring up California’s defenses against an incoming federal administration that has threatened the state on multiple fronts.

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United for Progress: LULAC Vision for a Stronger Latino Future

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As the oldest Latino civil rights organization in the nation, LULAC stands firmly committed to uplifting and empowering the Latino community across America—working to strengthen economic and educational opportunities and to protect our civil rights.

For nearly a century, LULAC has been here, side by side with the communities we serve, tirelessly working toward a future that fulfills the dreams of our families and honors the sacrifices of those who came before us. Now, as we look to the horizon, we welcome the opportunity to work with President Donald J. Trump, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, all of last night’s elected officials, and the incoming Administration. Together, we are called to build a future that holds space for all our stories, our voices, and our dreams.

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Ventura County Community Foundation Community Update on Mountain Fire — Pacific Coast Business Times’ Emergency Preparedness Guide in English, Spanish

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Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

Our hearts are with all those who have been impacted by the Mountain Fire. We are working closely with our partners to help ensure that your community foundation is doing all it can to support those most impacted. As the situation continues to develop, we will be in touch with you to keep you informed of how we can all best help.

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Bilingual commentary — The Dangers of Populism

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Until almost 10 years ago, “populism” was not a major political force in American politics. Some might consider the Obama years to have represented a benign form of modern nascent populism with its appeal to a younger, more progressive segment of our population. For this group, Barack Obama offered “hope” that a country such as ours, burdened by a racist past, could once and for all dismantle the invisible wall that previously had protected the privileged centers of power in this country.

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Bilingual commentary — A Man Walks into a Women’s Center…

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That man was me a few years ago. But what would I, a man, be doing walking into a women’s center? 

I was following my doctor’s recommendation. I know he is personally and professionally concerned about my health, so I do most of what he asks of me regarding my healthcare. 

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Bilingual commentary — The Siren Call of the Gig Economy

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Over the past few years, the siren call of the gig economy has captivated the imagination and creativity of young adults. The lure of “being your own boss,” “setting your own hours,” and the promise of having the freedom to travel the world while you pursue your “dream job” is too much for many of them to resist. 

For many dreamers coming of age, the enticement of immediate income and flexible work hours, along with the chance to skip college with all its debt obligation, is seductively appealing. 

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Guest commentary — The Chicano Art Movimiento

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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 , M.Ed. / Guest…

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Bilingual commentary — A Special Month for Greeks, Romans, and Mexicans

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Most of us are familiar with the solemnity, reflection, and joy that the Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos) brings to those of us who wish to immerse ourselves in the deep-rooted Mexican culture. In some regions of Mexico, the celebrations that commemorate the ancestors who have preceded us begin in late October and extend into November. 

Coincidentally, the ultra-commercialized festivities of American Halloween occur during the same time of year, leading many to believe that the two celebrations are identical, similar, or have the same roots.

However, the contrast is stark.

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Lumina Alliance in SLO Illuminates the Hidden Costs of Intimate Partner Violence During Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance is proud to announce its comprehensive campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October, dedicated to shining a light on the often-overlooked impact of intimate partner violence and raising awareness for underserved survivors in our community. This year’s theme emphasizes the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, including undocumented individuals, transgender people, and those living with disabilities, who are often disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence.

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Bilingual commentary — Transitioning From Summer Into Fall

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The transition from summer into fall is like nature’s own sleight of hand. One minute, it seems, we’re structuring our lives around the heat of the relentless sun, and suddenly we’re reaching for that cozy sweater that had been relegated to the back of our closet. 

Around this time, the air turns undeniably crisp. The leaves start undergoing their own transition from a lively, energetic green color to vibrant and familiar reds, oranges, and yellows. We can almost hear a collective sigh of relief as the oppressive summer heat finally gives way to cooler, more comfortable days.

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Bilingual report — The County of Ventura Celebrates Latino Heritage Month

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COUNTY OF VENTURA — Latino Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15. During this month we will celebrate the diverse cultures, values and traditions of individuals with Latin American heritage and who self-identify as Latino/a, Latinx and…

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Bilingual commentary — The Bittersweet Task of Donating Books

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I have begun donating books from my home library. It is quite a large collection that I curated over the past nearly 70 years. I am discovering that this is a profoundly bittersweet experience. I’ve treasured each book throughout the sweep of my life since boyhood. 

These volumes include self-help, how-to, and inspirational classics. There is an abundance of mathematical and scientific books that reflect the technical trajectory of my time on earth.

But there are also books that remind me of the times that I was trying to teach myself something, such as how to use computer software, how to write a business plan, or how to build or reconstruct relationships. 

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Bilingual commentary — A Lucky Break for a Mexican American

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It may seem to be “unfair,” but sometimes we see people who appear to catch a wave of good fortune, experiencing a magical moment in their lives that propels them toward sudden and totally unexpected fame or success (or, ideally, both). These lucky breaks, often appearing as seized opportunities or fortunate coincidences, can dramatically alter one’s path in life. While hard work and perseverance are essential, the element of luck can sometimes play an unexpectedly pivotal role in shaping destinies.

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Bilingual commentary — Reaching for the Light—Just as Plants Do

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As I was making lunch in my kitchen recently, I became intrigued by a phenomenon I’d noticed in the past but had not pondered to any great degree.

A plant on the countertop by the window was increasingly growing toward the sunlight. All of its leaves seemed to magically stretch toward that window. 

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Bilingual commentary — Voting ‘Emotionally’

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Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local 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 •…

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Bilingual commentary — Was He a King? And Did He Sell Razor Blades?

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Have you ever found yourself wondering why a place is called something intriguing, such as “Whynot?” There are communities with that name in Mississippi and North Carolina. 

Or how about “China” in Texas? 

Hinting at scandal, we have the town of “Hooker” in the panhandle of Oklahoma. The locals are quick to assure us that “it’s a location, not a vocation.” I’m glad they clarified that.

There are always equally intriguing reasons how places like these got their names.

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Bilingual commentary — The Connection Between Kamala Harris and Kamala Park in Oxnard

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As the excitement started building for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, it occurred to me that there just might be a connection between her and the Kamala Park neighborhood in Oxnard.

As it turns out, my instincts were correct. Yes, there is a connection!

First of all, let’s take a moment to reflect on pronunciations. The correct pronunciation of our current vice president’s name is akin to something like “comma-la,” whereas the denizens of Oxnard have customarily pronounced the name of their centrally located neighborhood as “ka-MAL-a.”

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County of Ventura Supervisor Jeff Gorell Leads Biotech Delegation to India

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Dear Neighbors,

As your Ventura County Supervisor, I am excited to lead a delegation of regional biotech executives to India today to explore growth opportunities and promote our county as a prime destination for expanding business.

This initiative is part of the broader efforts of “Gold Team Ventura County,” which I launched in November 2023. The Gold Team brings together elected officials, business leaders, labor unions, utility companies, and other stakeholders to engage CEOs and industries in moving or expanding jobs to Ventura County.

My District includes Thousand Oaks, home to about 20 life sciences firms, including Amgen, which is the largest private-sector employer in Ventura County. After being elected to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in 2022, I sought ways to support our district’s biotech industry to expand economic opportunity throughout our region.

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Guest contribution — Communities Call for Exact Location of Pesticide Application in Statewide Pesticide Notification System

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SHAFTER, CA. — Dozens of farmworkers and their allies — Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety 805, based in Ventura County — held a news conference and rally on July 23 prior to a California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) hearing on plans for a statewide pesticide notification system.

The news conference, “It’s Not Notification Without Location,” sponsored by the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment (CRPE) and Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) was held outside the site of the DPR hearing, Shafter Youth Center. CRPE, CPR and allies are concerned that DPR’s current draft plans will not serve the community without the exact address or farm location of the pesticide application.

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Bilingual commentary — Lessons From the Straw Hat Riots

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Just over a century ago, in the fashion centers of America’s east coast, men were programmed to wear straw hats throughout the summer. Men who considered themselves of sufficiently high class customarily donned the requisite straw hat on May 15 (“Straw Hat Day”). This social custom was taken quite seriously by the men of that era, especially in New York City.

But after September 15, wearing a straw hat was considered a serious violation of standing etiquette.

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Bilingual commentary — Pronouns, Language, and the Demotion of Women

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I began noticing a particular nuanced change in our language when personal “pronouns” suddenly became a divisive social issue. The more fanatical sectors of the conservative wing went to war with the “wokeness” of the more intense elements of the left regarding the appropriateness and necessity of these pronouns.

In our current toxic political environment, this difference in perspective has led to laws in several states that allow educators, for example, to dismiss a student’s preferred pronouns. This means that whether a male student prefers “she/her/hers” or “they/them/their” or the more exotic versions such as “xe/xem,” a teacher in these states has no obligation to comply with the will of that student.

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Bilingual commentary — Who Represents the Spirit of California?

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We might find ourselves asking, “What is this ‘Spirit of California’” we hear about sometimes? We might surmise that the Spirit of California is the melting pot of our cultures, ideas, perspectives, and dreams. Indeed, we are a unique tapestry woven together by the threads of our diversity and progressive and dynamic history.

But it might be more accurate for us to ask, “Who is the Spirit of California?” 

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MVC’s Year in Review – Fostering Curiosity, Compassion, and Connection!

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For over 100 years, the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse stories of our region. We believe that these stories have the power to spark curiosity, inspire compassion, and foster connection in everyone they reach.

We ask you to consider making a donation to MVC so we can continue championing these stories. Whether that is a sustaining monthly donation or a one-time gift, we hope your donation empowers you to find agency within and beyond MVC’s doors.

Together, we can transform curiosity into action, compassion into change, and inspire a future where every individual feels empowered to share, learn, and grow.

Thank you for your support of the Museum of Ventura County. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Bilingual report — June News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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We are thrilled to announce PSHH’s new Wealth Warrior program, generously sponsored by the Wells Fargo Foundation! PSHH residents will join financial educator and author Linda Garcia in a free, 3-month course, covering practical knowledge and actionable tactics for long-term financial planning.

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Bilingual commentary — Crossword Puzzles in the Digital Age

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When I was growing up in the 1950s, I observed how my father used his leisure time. He would either make sketches, read books, or work on crossword puzzles from the newspaper. It didn’t occur to me how difficult it must have been for crossword puzzle enthusiasts of that era. 

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Bilingual report — City releases third episode of Ventura Voices Podcast, featuring full details on X Games Ventura

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura released the third episode of its new podcast, Ventura Voices. The latest episode features an in-depth interview with Ventura’s Economic Development Manager, Meredith Hart, and Visit Ventura’s President and CEO, Marlyss Auster. Community members can listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music, or watch it on the City’s YouTube channel.

In this episode, Meredith and Marlyss are enthusiastic about returning the X Games to Ventura for a second consecutive year. They discuss the significant economic benefits this event brings to the community and highlight new features of the 2024 event, including an expanded event floor plan, musical performances, new sporting events, drone shows, a free shuttle and parking sites, plus a variety of free community events throughout Ventura.

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Bilingual commentary — Running for President from Prison

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Gotcha.

No, this isn’t an article about you-know-who. Rather, it’s about a man we don’t hear much about these days. But maybe we should, given the fraught political atmosphere in which we find ourselves. 

So, let’s consider the story of a highly controversial man who ran for president in the early 1900s.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education Focus on Education June 2024 — Inspiring Stories form the Ventura County Class of 2024

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They started high school in their bedrooms and at kitchen tables in front of computers, taking classes over Zoom. They’re coming of age at a time when our nation is politically divided, our world is facing war and unrest, and artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of education and work. But the students graduating from Ventura County high schools in 2024 are not deterred. They’re facing the future with a sense of optimism that will take them far as they enter the next stage of their lives. 

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County of Santa Barbara June Newsletter

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County Board of Supervisors Budget Hearing Set for
June 11

The County of Santa Barbara has released its Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Check out some of the highlights of the budget by clicking the play button, and join us on June 11 for the County’s Budget Hearing.

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CLU School of Management — Watch and Explore the third short video of ‘Separating Myths From Realities’

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We are delighted to present the third short video in our series that brings attention to the central themes of the recent conference, “Separating Myths from Realities,” hosted by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. Our third video focuses on the vital topic of “Degradation of Undocumented Immigrants”, containing key insights from our esteemed presenter and panelists.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Remembering Those We Have Lost

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since our community was struck by a tragic mass killing in Isla Vista. This is a time to remember those we lost: George Chen, Chengyuan “James” Hong, Weihan “David” Wang, Katherine Breann Cooper, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez, and Veronika Elizabeth Weiss. Yesterday, the community gathered together once more as we did after that fateful night in their memory. For the families of the six who were killed, the residents of IV, and the emergency personnel first on the scene, this was a traumatic and unimaginable experience.

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Bilingual commentary — The Impact of the Meat Industry on Climate Change

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Earlier this month, Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that bans the manufacture and distribution of lab-grown meat. He righteously declared that he was protecting cattle farmers in his state but then characteristically proceeded to blame the “global elite.” This murky, amorphous force is, according to the governor, surreptitiously foisting its “authoritarian goals” on those of us who would dare to suggest that the meat industry is contributing significantly to climate change. He disparaged the mysterious entities that want to force us to eat “fake meat.”

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Bilingual commentary — Entrepreneurship for College Graduates

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Many of today’s young people are looking askance at the concept of traditional work. What they pursue is entirely foreign to earlier generations, especially the boomer cohort, which is currently aging out of the workforce.

The members of “Generation Z,” for example, seek things that the boomer generation never expected to experience and generally never requested: work-life balance, autonomy, creative freedom, and a rapid ascent into the upper strata of income. 

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Bilingual commentary — Basic Needs and the College Experience

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Poverty can cast a long, pervasive shadow over the dreams and ambitions of an untold number of college students. Due to the accumulation of mounting debt as they forgo earning opportunities while pursuing higher education, their academic journeys and the prospects for their futures are often threatened. 

Sometimes their dedication to improving their lot in life ironically becomes an obstacle to securing their very basic needs, such as food and shelter. This scenario is further complicated by challenges to their academic performance as well as their mental health. 

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Hospice of Santa Barbara — A Mother’s Grief on Mother’s Day

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SANTA BARBARA — The annual celebration of Mother’s Day is meant to be a commemoration of the nurturing nature of women mothers. The day is often filled with family get-togethers, luncheons, flowers and handmade gifts and cards. Women can look up from their daily grind and enjoy the recognition they so greatly deserve. 

In grief, attention is often given to those who are missing their mothers who have died. 

For many, Mother’s Day can be a bittersweet reminder for mothers who have lost a child, turning a joyful holiday into one filled with pain and grief. 

Unfortunately, there is no panacea for grief, though time and distance can eventually bring some peace and perspective. However, some of those who have walked the path of grief before have discovered ways of coping with their grief by focusing on the good times and honoring their loved ones in symbolic ways. 

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Bilingual commentary — A Glimpse into Autism

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Decades ago, I had a student in my college classroom who was mathematically brilliant. His behavior, however, was sometimes a bit “unconventional,” and he seemed to have no desire (or ability) to interact with any of his classmates.

Recently, I decided to try to fathom this segment of our population, about which I knew little. I embarked on an exploratory journey that took me to a new, fictitious series, Astrid, on PBS Passport. This French-language program (with English subtitles) teaches viewers about the strengths and challenges of people who struggle with autism. 

Astrid opens our minds to the varied tapestry of human experience. It invites us to explore with empathy and understanding the diverse ways in which individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.

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Bilingual commentary — Using Science to Scare, Intimidate, and Control Americans

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The methods used to frighten and manipulate the ancient Mexicans are still being used today, for the same purposes, in modern America.

In the seventh and eighth centuries, the Mayan priests used their profound knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and politics to control and subjugate the masses within their jurisdiction. American politicians who understand politics and social media, but who have no apparent understanding of mathematics or astronomy, are attempting to do the very same thing.

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Guest contribution — Dana Reserve Nipomo – Your support needed!

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In just under one week, on Tuesday April 23, the San Luis Obispo County Supervisors will vote on the Dana Reserve project and your commitment to bringing more affordable housing to the Central Coast has never been more critical.

You can affect the decision: Please let our elected officials know how important affordable housing is to the County. This will be a great opportunity for you to thank them for their hard work, and to help them make the bold and balanced decisions needed.  

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Bilingual commentary — The Blessings and Ravages of Time

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The 18th-century French writer Nicolas Chamfort had an arguably perceptive view of the effects of time on our human lives. He wrote, “In order not to find life unbearable, you must accept two things: the ravages of time and the injustice of man.”

We who are older are only too aware of the first “thing” that we are expected to accept: the ravages of time. We’ll save the controversial “acceptance of the injustice of man” part of the statement for another article. 

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Save The Date: Montecito Flood Control Master Plan Town Hall on April 24

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I invite you to join me later this month the public will have the opportunity to learn more about Flood Control’s planning efforts that will guide the design, and construction of improvements to mitigate flooding impacts to the community.

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Bilingual commentary — How to Study for College-Level Math

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You may be a college math student, or you may know someone who is currently pursuing a math class at the college level. For those who are prepared, college math is simply a continuation of the material and methods that one has learned prior to entering college. 

Some college students are only faintly interested in math, if they are interested at all. But these students fail to understand the enormous importance of math in their lives. They reject math at their own peril. 

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Guest contribution — It’s getting cheaper to fly private jet, says local aviation expert

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CAMARILLO — If you’re looking to charter a private jet for your next vacation or business trip, now might be the time to do it.

After soaring to record pricing during the COVID-19 pandemic, rates for private jet charters are dropping to prepandemic levels, according to Sarah Oberman, founder of TruNorth Jets, a jet charter broker based out of Camarillo.

Private jets were viewed as “sanitary time capsules” that allowed people to travel with far less health risks during the pandemic than crowded airline terminals and passenger jets. A shortage of pilots together with soaring demand for private flights during the pandemic drove pricing to unprecedented levels.

“We’re seeing a significant drop in charter rates across all size categories of private jets, and that’s really benefiting our customers,” Oberman said. “We’ve been able to secure bookings for our clients at rates that, only a year ago, would have been unrealistic.”

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Guest commentary — Communities of color unjustly affected by toxic PFAS in California

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Ventura County is home to three military bases located within 8 miles of each other, namely the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station with 12,000 ppt, the Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme with 1,080,000 ppt, and Point Mugu Naval Air Station with 46,343 ppt PFAS detected in their soil and groundwater.

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Bilingual commentary — The Transformative Power of Seasonal Living

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Are you intrigued by the concept of “seasonal living”? It captured my interest when I read about it on The Smallest Light, a website dedicated to marketing services. One of the articles on this site, written by Laura McMahon, describes ways to celebrate the arrival of spring in our homes. 

This article reminds us of the psychic power of a celestial turning point: the occurrence of the vernal equinox. On this day, just as on the autumnal equinox in the fall, day and night are of equal length. This astronomical, seasonal, and spiritual event occurs at the tipping point as winter morphs into spring, the season that contains the promise of renewed life. 

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Guest commentary — 1903 JMLA Strike: A Reflection 121 Years Later

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Imagine your reaction if your employer slashed the wages of workers by fifty to sixty percent. Why would a business do such a thing?

This spring, 121 years-ago, Japanese and Mexican sugar beet workers experienced this injustice in 1903. Reduced to a condition of wage slavery, in response they united not only amongst themselves but also with contratistas, labor contractors, traditionally utilized by agricultural lords to divorce themselves from the costs and responsibilities that came with being employers directly.

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Bilingual report — Fresh Attacks on Migrants…and Citizens

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Much of the population of this country is of migrant stock. Some are newly arrived, while others are the progeny of immigrants (such as I am). 

The newly arrived naturally favor speaking their native tongues until they gain proficiency and confidence in the English language. Their children and grandchildren who grow up here may turn out to be fully bilingual. On the other hand, they may, to one extent or another, lose the language of their parents and grandparents as they become fully assimilated into the American fabric.

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Bilingual commentary — Leap Year: A Tale of Science and Conspiracy Theories

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Every four years, we get to experience a phenomenon known as “leap year.” This occurs when February has 29 days rather than its usual 28. The “leap” refers to the reoccurrence of days from one year to the next. Normally, a given date that occurs during a given year will occur one day later in the subsequent year. For example, January 1, 2023, occurred on a Sunday whereas January 1, 2024, occurred on a Monday of the following year.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Clean Energy for the Central Coast & Get Ready for Wildfire Season

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(March 1) we took a significant step forward towards avoiding the worst effects of climate change, opening the new Strauss Wind Project. These 27 wind turbines will generate enough power for 36,000 homes – helping us move towards a more clean and reliable electric grid.

What’s most important isn’t just the impact of this one project, but what it means for the potential of clean energy in other parts of coastal California. 21 years in the making, this project was able to navigate the process and get the permits and approvals it needed to open.

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Bilingual commentary — How and Why to Vote Responsibly

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As I was filling out my ballot for the coming election here in California, most of the items were fairly easy choices for me (one of them at the top of the ticket was very easy). But then I came to the choices for judge for the Ventura County Superior Court. We are directed to vote for only one.

I stared at the names. One of them was immediately recognizable because I had seen his name in news items about some of our local civil and criminal trials. His credentials seem impeccable.

But then I realized that I knew essentially nothing about the other three candidates. 

So why is it so important to vote for judges and not just skip over this section of the ballot?

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