By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The news can be disconcerting for many of us who have been involved in one way or another in encouraging Latinos, and all young people, to succeed in education and life — high dropout…
Category: Cultural
Local health information
> The Ventura County Health Care Agency provides a calendar of upcoming health events, including flu clinics during February, at http://www.vchca.org/events En español > Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health…
UCSB is officially recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
University joins Riverside, Santa Cruz and Merced campuses as Hispanic-Serving Institutions By Andrea Estrada / UCSB For as long as she can remember, Jocelyn Ramirez enjoyed tinkering with electronics and, in general, figuring out how things work. So as a Paloma…
Guest commentary: Reflections on the Chicano Art Movimiento — A primer
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 LATEST…
Adolfo Camarillo High School Mariachi program is seeking donations
Friends of Adolfo Camarillo High School Mariachi: Economic times such as these reduce government funding. Budgets cuts have cost the school system millions of dollars. Groups such as the ACHS Mariachi must raise most of their funding on their own.…
Bilingual commentary: Free community college — Doing our homework
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 Certainly,…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present discussion on ‘Mass Deportation and Global Capitalism’ on Jan. 27
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center to present discussion on ‘Mass Deportation and Global Capitalism’ at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the MCC Lounge. In the spring of 2014, President Obama’s administration reached a landmark of more than…
Guest commentary: The Beginning of the end of the public university
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. “The best of times …the…
CSU Channel Islands confirms a case of measles. Seeks to warn students
Second incident reported this week in Camarillo Also see: > Ventura County Public Health reports five cases of measles confirmed, including one in Camarillo CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) has confirmed that a student who does not live on campus has…
Guest commentary: Debt peonage of a new sort
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…
Guest commentary: Conscientious objector
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 contributo My brother…
Daniela Ramirez reports on fundraising campaign to launch ‘Eco AlterNATIVE tours: Indigenous Owned Business’
OXNARD — “We are excited to share with you our dream of launching Eco alterNATIVE Tours Sierra Tarahumara, an Indigenous Cultural Tour Company! We have launched a fundraising campaign to start this amazing project,” Daniela Ramirez reported in a media release.…
United Way of Ventura County calls on community for support for families displaced by fire in Oxnard
OXNARD — An Oxnard apartment fire on Friday, Jan. 9 has displaced 33 people, 17 adults and 16 children, all of whom have shown great fortitude in facing the loss of their homes and all of their belongings, the United…
Next Ventura County Foster Care Informational meeting to be held Jan. 27 in Ventura
VENTURA COUNTY — Foster VC Kids is holding a series of Ventura County Foster Parent Informational meetings on from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 27, Feb. 24, April 28, May 19 and June 30 at the Human Services Agency, 855…
Tracy Perez has been selected as chair of the Ventura County Civic Alliance
CAMARILLO — Tracy Perez has been selected as chair of the Ventura County Civic Alliance Executive Committee, the organization reported Tuesday in a media release. Perez is a lifelong resident of Ventura County, born and raised in Oxnard. She brings more…
Bilingual commentary: Dante’s View: A hellish beauty
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 One…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present Cup of Culture film screening of ‘Who is Dayani Cristal?’ on Jan. 21
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center to present Cup of Culture film screening of ‘Who is Dayani Cristal?’ at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the MCC Theater. Following a team of dedicated staff from the Pima County Morgue in…
Guest commentary: Paris is the ‘Capital of the World’ …
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 An…
Women’s Economic Ventures to hold free Spanish-language Self-Employment Training orientation sessions in Ventura County on Jan. 17, 20 and 27
VENTURA COUNTY— Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Women’s Business Center is holding free informational orientation sessions in Ventura County to help you determine your readiness for one of WEV’s business courses, the organization reported in a media release. Orientation is required…
Bilingual commentary: The new age of marketing
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 Much…
Guest commentary: Report Card
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. Should Latinos get a pass…
Comedian Cristela Alonzo to perform in Oxnard on Jan. 16
OXNARD — Comedian Cristela Alonzo, star of ABC’s “Cristela” sitcom, will appear at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Oxnard PACC…
Undefeated Saul Rodriguez added to TV portion of ‘Boxing by the Beach’ at Oceanview Pavilion on Jan. 17
PORT HUENEME — Undefeated Saul “Kid Dinamita” Rodriguez has been added to the TV portion of ‘Boxing by the Beach’ on Ja. 17 at Oceanview Pavilion, 575 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme, the Pavilion reported in a media release. The prized undefeated prospect…
Contributing to a successful new year
Wishing loyal Amigos805 readers a very Happy Holiday Season and a Very Safe and Prosperous New Year. The new year often brings changes so we are pleased to introduce a couple of options that will make it easier for our…
Friends of Ben Saiz establish Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation
VENTURA — Friends of Ben Saiz have established the Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation, organizers reported in a media release. Please help us with a tax-deductible donation, or please forward to anyone who may be interested in…
Bilingual report: emPower hosts Spanish language home energy workshop on Jan. 12 in Oxnard
OXNARD — emPower Ventura County invites local Spanish speaking homeowners to learn how emPower can help them access easy and affordable home energy upgrades during a free dinner workshop from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 at the Oxnard Public Library, Salon B,…
Mariachi Flor de Toloache to perform at La Fonda De Rey in Oxnard on Jan. 13
OXNARD — Mariachi Flor de Toloache will hold a special performance at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 at La Fonda De Rey, 455 S. A St., Oxnard. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. CDs, t-shirts and other collectables…
Bilingual report: The Wellness Center / El Centro de Bienestar in Oxnard to launch Latino Indiginous Program in Spanish starting Jan. 13
OXNARD — The Wellness Center / El Centro de Bienestar in Oxnard will launch a Latino Indiginous Program in Spanish from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting Jan. 13 at 2697 Saviers Road in the Centerpoint Mall, Oxnard.…
Forum on ‘California Crossroads Tour: Taking Back our Health and Communities’ to be held Jan. 14 in Oxnard
OXNARD – “When Governor Jerry Brown began his historic fourth term this month, he vowed to position California as a leader in the fight against climate change, in part by moving the state to 50 percent renewable energy by 2030.…
Bilingual commentary: Immigration — Our grand national 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 Yes,…
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 January in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-01 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Mariachi Flor de Toloache Jan. 9 through 11
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! will present Mariachi Flor de Toloache at 7 p.m. Friday at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road; at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St.; and at…
Armando Durón to discuss the art of Gilbert ‘Magu’ Lujan at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula on Jan. 8
SANTA PAULA — Chicano art collector and expert Armando Durón will discuss his relationship with the late artist Gilbert “Magu” Lujan over the course of several decades, as well as interpreting the artwork of Magu currently on view from the…
Director Jesus Trevino to present film screening at Santa Paula Art Museum on Jan. 8
SANTA PAULA — Award-winning film and television director Jesus Trevino will present a film screening of “Talkin’ Bout My Generation” at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula. Trevino will…
VCCCD Board to confirm Luis Pablo Sanchez as Moorpark College president
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees will consider action to confirm Luis Pablo Sanchez, JD, LLM, as President of Moorpark College at its public meeting on Jan. 20, district officials reported Tuesday, Dec. 23 in…
Guest commentary: The Si Se Puede Bucket List ‘2015’
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 LOVE LIFE:…
Letter from Supervisor Zaragoza
As the year 2014 comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude; I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve the residents and businesses of the Fifth District as your representative on the County Board of Supervisors.…
Bilingual commentary: Our Star in the East
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…
Latin Legends War, Tierra and Malo to perform in Oxnard on Dec. 27
OXNARD — Latin legends War, Tierra and Malo will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, $33 to $83, are available at http://oxnardpacc.com, by…
Extraordinary service at El Centrito wins Ventura County mother prestigious volunteer award
OXNARD — Maria Teresa Torres, a parent and volunteer, has received The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation’s prestigious Halo Award for her outstanding service with El Centrito Family Learning Centers, the organization reported this week in a media release. For her work training parents…
Guest commentary: Mexico — U.S. San Ysidro Border
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 It began…
Women’s Economic Ventures honors Spanish Self-Employment Training fall graduates
Next orientation begins Jan. 6 SANTA BARBARA — A ceremony was recently held in honor of 12 new local entrepreneurs who graduated from the Spanish Self-Employment Training Course offered by Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) Women’s Business Center, the organization reported…
MICOP to present ‘Pasatono Orquesta’ at Oxnard College on Dec. 15
OXNARD — The Mixteco / Indígena Community Organizing Project, the Latino Performing Arts Institute at Oxnard College and the Oxnard College Arts Collaborative will present “Pasatono Orquesta” at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building,…
Guest commentary: Stupid America! Student unrest
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. How Chicanas/os lost their swagger…
Memorial for Ben Saiz to be held Dec. 11 at Ventura College Santa Paula campus
VENTURA — A memorial for Ben Saiz will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Ventura College Santa Paula campus, 957 Faulkner Road, No. 106, Santa Paula. The memorial, commemorating his life, will be held…
Bilingual commentary: Ancient Greek telenovelas
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 A…
CSU Channel Islands Choir holiday concert gives Latin classics a modern makeover on Dec. 8
CAMARILLO — The CSU Channel Islands Choir invites the public to a holiday concert that will present traditional Latin mass songs with a modern twist. A concert will be held on the CI campus at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 in…
Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard to present opening reception for ‘Monumentum: Drawings + Paintings by Ramon Ramirez’ on Dec. 13
OXNARD — The Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard will present “Monumentum: Drawings + Paintings by Ramon Ramirez,” with the opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at 424 S. C. St., Oxnard. The exhibit will open Dec. 14…
Guest commentary: Lessons from Arizona
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. Mas sabe el diablo por…
December cover story: Holiday charity event ready to hit the streets
Santa to the Sea Half-Marathon on Dec. 14 to benefit numerous charities in the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It’s beginning to look a lot like — breathing hard, wheezing, thirst and aching muscles. Yes, ’tis the season…
Commentary: Holiday celebrations keep on growing in the 805 region
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The mystery and the magic of the holiday season is upon us with groups planning celebrations up and down the coast. The first weekend in December typically marks the beginning of holiday celebrations in…
Bilingual commentary: Do men scare 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 Americans…
Guest commentary: Make original art your gift for sharing the holiday season at Acuña Gallery @ Café on A
To supporters of the Cafe on A: I am Jaime Casillas, a long-time supporter of the Cafe on A in Oxnard. This letter is unsolicited. My wife (Helen) and I have been Chicano/a Art Collectors for over ten years. The…
Guest commentary: The 1% Cacique Democracy
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 Sixty five…
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 December in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-12 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura…
El Concilio Family Services elects 2015 board of directors
OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services recently elected new leadership to its 2015 Board of Directors including new board members, the organization reported Monday. The new officers are: Ernie Villegas, Chairman of the Board; Richard Jaquez, Vice-Chairman; Eduardo Miranda, Secretary;…
Oxnard College’s Latino Thought Maker Series to present ‘Sweet 15’ on Dec. 4
OXNARD — Oxnard College will present the next Latino Thought Makers Series event “Sweet 15” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The free special presentation of Rick Najera’s…
7th annual Oxnard Tamale Festival to be held at Plaza Park on Dec. 6
OXNARD — The Seventh annual Oxnard Tamale Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard. Presented by City of Oxnard Recreation & Community Services and Oxnard College, the free…
Cal Lutheran to re-enact Christmas story on Dec. 7
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks will hold its annual Las Posadas celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. The festive event dates back to the 16th century and is typically celebrated from Dec. 16…
Strings of De Colores to perform at Santa Paula Art Museum holiday party on Dec. 7
SANTA PAULA — The “Strings of De Colores” music program led by Xavier Montes and the Isbell Middle School Chorus led by Donna Nelson, will perform at the free Santa Paula Art Museum Holiday Party from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday,…
Guest commentary: Thinking critically. Is a victory really a victory?
Obama’s immigration order and ethnic studies. If it stinks light a match 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…
Guest commentary: I am thankful my Chicano sons are alive
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 am…
Bilingual commentary: Give thanks for that?
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 A…
UCSB’s David López-Carr named AAAS Fellow
A professor of geography joins the ranks of UCSB faculty members honored for their contributions to the advancement of science By Julie Cohen / UCSB UC Santa Barbara’s David López-Carr has been named a fellow of the American Association for…
Guest commentary: ‘There will be no change.’ Debunking the illusion
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 Recent…