Category: Cultural

Bilingual report: El Centrito Family Learning Centers to host Oxnard School Board candidates forum on Oct. 19

Parent Promoters of Education, a project of El Centrito Family Learning Centers, will host a forum for Oxnard School Board candidates from 5:30-7:30 Friday, Oct. 19 at El Centrito Family Learning Centers, 450 So. K St. Oxnard, Room 108, the…

VC Mexican-American Bar Association to present scholarship dinner on Oct. 19

The Education Foundation of the Ventura County Mexican-American Bar Association will present its annual scholarship dinner beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 600 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. Dinner and the program…

Latino peace officers group to present annual comedy show fundraiser on Oct. 19

The National Latino Peace Officers Association — Ventura County Chapter, will present its 4th annual “Comedy Show Fundraiser” beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at the Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. Featuring comedians Cliff…

Bilingual report: Promotores health worker luncheon set for Oct. 21

October is Promotor and Community Health Worker month, Maria-Felix Ryan, executive director of the Promotoras y Promotores Foundation in Oxnard, reported in a media release. The members of the Central Coast Regional Promotor Network and Vision y Compromiso would like…

Bilingual report: CSU Channel Islands to present ‘The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao’ book reading, signing on Oct. 11

California State University, Channel Islands will present its 8th annual Campus Reading Celebration featuring “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by author Junot Díaz from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Grand Salon. Dominican Republic-born Díaz will…

Billingual report: ‘Ulama: The Game of Life & Death’ film screening to be held Oct. 13 in Ventura

A film screening of “Ulama: The Game of Life & Death” will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. The screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session…

Bilingual commentary: Surrounded by teachers

By David Magallanes /Guest contributor We have a tendency to think of our “teachers” as those who dedicate themselves to teaching us in the classrooms of our schools, in elementary schools as well as at the colleges and universities. We believe…

Oxnard celebrates 17th annual Multicultural Festival

By Jess Gutierrez / Guest contributor Several thousand guests enjoyed music, dance, food, and culture from around the world at Oxnard’s 17th Annual Multicultural Festival in downtown’s Plaza Park on Oct. 6. The festival, hosted by Oxnard’s Community Relations Commission,…

Bilingual report: Buses will depart Oxnard on Oct. 8 to attend César E. Chávez National Monument announcement

Three buses will be departing at 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8 from Oxnard to attend President Barack Obama’s announcement of the César E. Chávez National Monument, the Oxnard office of the United Farm Workers of America reported in a media release.…

Binational Health Week Conference set for Oct. 4

The 12th Binational Health Week Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Designed for health professionals, the conference will feature Dr. Robert Gonzalez, director of…

Bilingual commentary: Our schools — State of emergency

By David Magallanes /Guest contributor The red lights are flashing. The giant waves continue weakening — and soon knocking down — what was, once upon a time, our glory in the Golden State during the years that I was passing through…

Commentary: Upcoming events celebrate Hispanic heritage

By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor “Our history defines and strengthens us,” said Alejandro Fernandez, the famous Mexican singer, when narrating the recent four-hour mini-series on the History Channel. It is important to know that the designation for Hispanic Heritage Month is…

MICOP seeks volunteers for monthly Mixteco community meeting on Sept. 29

Volunteers are needed support the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenny St., Oxnard and from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at Harrington Elementary…

Bilingual commentary: A sense of the infinite

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Last Saturday, I decided to take my grandson and his family to see the stars at a party. No, we did not go to some extraordinary event in Hollywood or Beverly Hills, but rather to…

Bilingual report: Moorpark Foundation for the Arts to present Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College on Sept. 28

Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College will perform a benefit fundraiser to support The Moorpark Foundation for the Arts beginning with a champagne reception at 6:30 p.m., with music by Angels on Harps, and the performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday,…

Bilingual report: Oxnard College Foundation to present Los Valíentes at 5th annual ‘Tardeada’ on Sept. 30

 The Oxnard College Foundation will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with its 5thannual “Tardeada,” featuring a musical performance from Los Valíentes (The Courageous Ones) ensemble from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center. The performance…

United Way of Santa Barbara recognizes 250 community partners

SANTA BARBARA — The United Way of Santa Barbara County recently recognized 250 community partner representatives for their roles in the success of United Way’s Fun in the Sun program, the organization reported this week in a media release. This…

Bilingual report: ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Entre Mujeres through Sept. 23

¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! opens its fall season with a musical conversation, “The Testimonio in Song,” with Entre Mujeres at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 at Casa Dolores, 1023 Bath St., Santa Barbara. The group will then perform…

CSU Channel Islands’ Bracero exhibit finds permanent home in Piru’s Valle Naranjal

CAMARILLO — A powerful exhibit created by CSU Channel Islands (CI) students and faculty that presents the history and legacy of Mexican farmworkers known as “braceros” has found a fitting home.  “The Braceros of Ventura County” will go on permanent…

Comunidad celebra las Fiestas Patrias

OXNARD — El Consulado de México informa a la comunidad que en el marco de las fiestas patrias, el personal de esta representación participó en diez eventos cívicos conmemorativos a los 202 años de la Independencia de México que los…

LULAC/KEYS Leadership Academy to begin classes on Sept. 24

LULAC Council No. 3128 working with Oxnard College on dropout prevention program OXNARD – As school-age children returned to schools nationwide, students from the community will get a leg-up this fall through an enhanced high school dropout prevention program, LULAC/KEYS…

FOOD Share, Feeding America and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf team up beginning Sept. 24 to combat hunger

VENTURA COUNTY — As Hunger Action Month in September comes to an end, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® and Feeding America, a national hunger relief charity, will continue their commitment to fight hunger through their budding partnership with a…

United Way of Santa Barbara County celebrates 21st Annual Day of Caring

SANTA BARBARA – More than 1,500 volunteers, including young people from local schools, families, churches, community service groups and workplaces at over 50 sites across the Tri-Counties, participated on Sept. 15 in the United Way of Santa Barbara County’ 21st…

OC Fall Literature & Arts Lecture Series begins Sept. 26

The 2012 OC OC Fall Literature & Arts Lecture Series begins with the presentation “My Deaf Journey,”  Wednesday, Sept. 26 at Oxnard College. In celebration of Dead Awareness Week, storyteller Virginia Scott will share her own story about growing up deaf,…

Just Communities in Santa Barbara recognizes THRIVE Westside program

SANTA BARBARA — Just Communities, a Santa Barbara nonprofit, recently recognized THRIVE Westside for sponsoring San Marcos High School students and Westside youth in the CommUnity Leadership Institute (CLI) program. THRIVE Westside is a partnership between Harding University Partnership School, McKinley Elementary…

Santa Barbara Studio Artists hold Open Studio Tour

Santa Barbara Studio Artists shared a moment with Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider and Stephanie Langsdorf, district Representative for County Supervisor Doreen Farr, at the recent opening reception for The 11th Annual Open Studios Tour. The reception was held at…

Bilingual report: Free SBA forum for Spanish speakers

Rennee D. Dehesa, an attorney with Schneiders & Associates LLP, will be the guest speaker at a free business forum for Spanish speakers at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Casapueblo Restuarant, 310 So. C St., Oxnard. Presented by SCORE…

Bilingual commentary: Little white lies: Do they cause harm?

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor I enjoy watching Mexican, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and French films. If we watch them focused on their content and message and, even more importantly, if we reflect on them after seeing them, we gain another…

Bilingual report: CAUSE to present Community Building Luncheon on Sept. 21 in Oxnard

The Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy will present its 6th annual CAUSE Community Building Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 21 at the Courtyard Oxnard Marriott, 600 Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. John Chiang, California State controller, will be the keynote speaker…

Bilingual report: Hispanic Heritage Month events coming to the 805 region

Festivals, parades, musical performances part of annual event By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Mariachi and other musical performances, cultural education programs and a parade — they are all coming to the 805 region as part of the annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration…

Bilingual commentary: Cultural, health, social and political events dominate upcoming calendar

By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Between Hispanic Heritage Month activities, an annual cross-border health education program and the end of the 2012 political campaign season (thankfully), residents in the 805 region will have plenty to do during the next…

Bilingual commentary: Escaping from the cycle

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor On one recent Sunday, I went to see a film, short but at the same time intriguing, powerful and incisive. It showed an aspect of our society that we might prefer to ignore or about…

Bilingual report: ‘March for Justice and People’s Assembly!’ set for Sept. 11 in Oxnard

OXNARD — Todo Poder Al Pueblo this weekend announced that community members are urged meet in La Colonia neighborhood of Oxnard before 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11 to begin their march to Oxnard City Hall. “We will gather at Camino…

Bilingual report: Extend your summer

By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel writer When the long-anticipated Cars Land opened this past June at Disney California Adventure Park, avid fans waited six to seven hours to experience new, exciting rides at the 12-acre theme land.…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County needs support to receive $250,000 grant from Chase Community Giving

  Area residents can make a huge impact by voting on Facebook CAMARILLO – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, a non-profit organization working to provide quality mentoring to children facing adversity is competing with charities nationwide for grants…

Last chance to advertise in our Amigos805 special Hispanic Heritage Month print edition

Time is running out to advertise in our Amigos805 special Hispanic Heritage Month print edition. The edition will include an update on all activities and events celebrating this special time of year for the Latino community, including upcoming Fiestas Patrias…

Foundation for SBCC receives $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo for Plaza Comunitaria and Wells Fargo Annual Vocational Scholarship students

SANTA BARBARA — The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College recently received a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo to assist two vocational students through the Wells Fargo Annual Vocational Scholarship and to support the education of Latino emigrants through the…

Bilingual report: Fiestas Patrias Gala Dinner-Dance to be held Sept. 1 in Ventura

The Comité Cultural Mexicano  (Mexican Cultural Committee) and La “M” 103.7 FM Radio Station will present the 15th Annual “Fiestas Patrias” (Mexican Independence Day Celebration) “Gala Dinner-Dance” to elect and crown the queen of the “Fiestas Patrias” 2012-2013 from 5:30 p.m. to…

‘Social Resurrection: Ceramics by Richard Flores’ opens Sept. 1 at Museum of Ventura County

Ritual Vessels of the Maya Brought Into the Present Day VENTURA — The Maya culture of yesterday enlightens us today in Richard Flores’ exhibition of contemporary ceramic vessels at the Museum of Ventura County. Social Resurrection: Ceramics by Richard Flores…

Bilingual commentary: Is it worth it to go to college?

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor In the newspaper from today, Sunday (I continue to be one of those dinosaurs that still reads the newspaper), a political cartoon with a disturbing message by cartoonist Steve Breen caught my eye. I…

“Tools for School” initiative provides backpacks and supplies to 300 Santa Barbara area children

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara hosted the “Tools for School” kick-off event on Aug. 18 at the Presidio Springs Community Room. The event served as a resource for Housing Authority residents and the…

UCSB ranks among the nation’s top 25 colleges, universities in degrees awarded to Latinos in STEM fields

SANTA BARBARA — In the third in a series of reports linking college completion with U.S. workforce needs, the nonprofit organization Excelencia in Education has included UC Santa Barbara on its lists of the top 25 colleges and universities in…

MICOP seeks volunteers at Harrington Elementary School in Oxnard on Aug. 24 to fill backpacks

Volunteers are needed at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 to help pack about 500 backpacks with school supplies, to be distributed at the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at Harrington Elementary School,…

Bilingual commentary: My Path to Digital Citizenship

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Just as with obtaining national citizenship, to achieve digital citizenship, an “outsider” — a digital immigrant — like  me needs to be willing to accept a long, hard, difficult  journey replete with frustrations. A large…

2013 Rebozo Festival Awards applications now available

OXNARD — Organization/institutions are encouraged to participate in the “Nomination for Appropriations” 2013 Rebozo Festival Awards, the organization reported in a media release. The awards are presented annually by Las Madrinas del Rebozo Festival of Ventura County. The next event…

Bilingual report: Deferred Action Information for Dreamers Forum to be held Aug. 23 in Oxnard

The Deferred Action Information Forum for Dreamers will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at Pacifica High School, Pacifica Art Center, 600 E. Gonzales Road, Oxnard. Consulting lawyers from the Legal Affairs Department of the Consulate of…

Bilingual report: Inaugural ‘Oxnard Show ‘N Shine Car Show’ to be held on Aug. 26

Alfarero Christian Community presents the inaugural “Oxnard Show ‘N Shine Car Show,” from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 in the Alfarero Christian Community parking area, 375 So. “K” St., Oxnard. The event is a benefit fundraiser for…

Final performance for ‘Divorciadas, Evangélicas, y Vegetarianas’ set for Aug. 26 in Carpinteria

The final performance for Teatro de las Américas’ “Divorciadas, Evangélicas, y Vegetarianas” (“Divorcees, Evangelicas , and Vegetarians”) will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at the Plaza Playhouse Teatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria. Written by Gustavo Ott, the play is performed in…

United Way of Santa Barbara County receives Summer Learning Award

The United Way of Santa Barbara County has received a prestigious 2012 National Excellence in Summer Learning Award for its Fun in the Sun program, the organization reported this week in a media release. The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA)…