By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor For many years I have loved visiting and traveling in Mexico. Sadly, some of the places I have visited are now unsafe, and generally driving through much of Mexico is risky. The good news is…
Category: Cultural
Capps writes to Entravision CEO urging him to reconsider cancellation of ‘Noticias Univision Costa Central’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) on Dec. 21 released a letter she sent to Mr. Walter Ulloa, Entravision Chairman and CEO, to express her concern about the potential cancellation of “Noticias Univision Costa Central,” the only Spanish-language…
Commentary: The American Dream—Part III
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor I grew up next door to five cousins, all brothers, who may as well have been my brothers. In fact, genetically, we are brothers. That’s because we are not only cousins — we’re “double cousins.” Their father…
Commentary: Radio program an effective way to reach hardest hit segment of home mortgage crisis
By Michael and Stephen Szakos / Guest contributors To the morning radio audience along California’s Central Coast, Michael and Stephen Szakos of TEAM SZAKOS Real Estate are fast becoming the Batman and Robin of the continuing home mortgage crisis, as the duo…
Commentary: College trustees must act to investigate source of leaked document
By the League of United Latin American Citizens President Franklin D. Roosevelt was fond of saying — “In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.” On Tuesday night (Dec. 13) the Ventura…
Sugar Beets Restaurant to raise funds Dec. 17 for family
“Red Carpet Christmas Toy Drive — Party for a Purpose,” benefiting Arlene Hernandez and family, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar, 455 So. A St., Oxnard. The restaurant will take donations for the…
Volunteers needed for MICOP’s Dec. 17 Fiesta Navidena
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is seeking volunteers for its annual Fiesta Navidena, which will be held this year on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Boys & Girls Club, 1900 W. 5th St., Oxnard, and at Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenny…
La Hermandad to hold ‘Posada Navideña’ on Dec. 18
La Hermandad’s Hank Lacayo Youth & Family Center will present “Posada Navideña” from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at 520 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. Call 805.483.4620 for more information.
Authors, illustrators to read, sign children’s book Dec. 18 at Museum of Ventura County
Local children’s book authors and illustrators, including Kathleen Contreras of Ventura, Jody Fickes Shapiro of Ventura, Carol Heyer of Thousand Oaks, Valerie Hobbs and Marnie McGee of Santa Barbara, Alexis O’Neill of Simi, and Amada Irma Perez of Ventura, will…
Clinicas del Camino Real distributing toys throughout Ventura County
For the past three years, during the holiday season, Clincas del Camino Real Inc. has been distributing toys to its pediatric patients, Clinicas reported this week in a media release. The toy distribution, which began Dec. 9, will continue on…
United Way’s Latino Action Team holds successful book drive
The United Way of Ventura County’s Latino Action Team hosted its first-ever “Donation to the Imagination” holiday book drive in partnership with the Oxnard Public Library to benefit low-income children living in Oxnard. The community was asked to donate new and/or…
Commentary: Christmas traditions
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. ‘What…
CEDC’s Fernandez honored at recent meeting of the Stress, Health and Longevity group
Rodney Fernandez, executive director of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation in Ventura, was honored by the Stress, Health and Longevity group during its recent weekly meeting. Fernandez, who was recognized for his years of community service in leading the affordable housing…
Interfaith leaders call on policy makers to stop separating immigrant families, stop endangering children
Dozens of immigrants and their allies gathered by candlelight in Oxnard’s Plaza Park on Dec. 10 to raise an urgent moral call to policy makers for justice for immigrant families, and especially for the children and young people who are being hurt by…
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…
Zaragoza’s campaign holds successful fundraiser in Oxnard
Many of Ventura County’s Latino Leaders hosted a fundraising event on Dec. 8 honoring County Supervisor John Zaragoza, according to a media release. Host Committee Chairs Alfredo Placencia and Art Hernandez welcomed guests to Ruby’s restaurant in Oxnard. The packed…
UCSB student accepts White House award
SANTA BARBARA — A UC Santa Barbara student studying ocean ecology accepted the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring from President Obama on Monday, Dec. 12, on behalf of Ocean Discovery Institute. This is the…
Oxnard Sister City Committee to install officers on Dec. 14
The Oxnard Sister City Commitee will install its officers at its annual Christmas Party at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Sugarbeets Restaurant, 455 So. A St., Oxnard. Reservations will be accepted until 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. The committee…
Commentary: Books make the best gifts
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor Have you had enough of circling the parking lot, standing in line and walking the mall for Christmas gifts yet? I avoid it because for me, it’s a waste of gas, precious time, there…
Bilingual report: Latinos ‘Heroes and Hobbies’ exhibit to open Dec. 9
“Heroes and Hobbies” (Heroes y pasatiempos) — an exhibit of paintings by Denis O’Leary, will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at the Mexican Consulate, 3151 W. Fifth St., Suite E-100, Oxnard. O’Leary is a local artist now being discovered for his oil paintings re?ecting ?gures and…
Teatro’s ‘Christmas Tales…’ continues Dec. 10, 11
Teatro de las Américas and MusicaLatitudes will present “Christmas Tales and Chants 2,” a Latin American celebration for the entire family, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 during the Oxnard Downtown ArtBeat at the Carnegie Art Museum, 424 So. C…
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…
Oxnard City Council to meet Dec. 6 to decide on Channel 25
Community members are urged to turn out in force at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the Oxnard City Council meeting to support efforts to approve an agreement that will reinstate Channel 25 as Oxnard’s public access station. The council…
Toy drive for Mixteco children set for Dec. 7 at CSU Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands’ Center for Community Engagement, the Chicano Studies Department and the School of Education are seeking donations to a toy drive for Mixteco children from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Broome Library 1360. Contact Kathleen…
John Zaragoza re-election fundraiser set for Dec. 8 in Oxnard
A campaign fundraiser for the re-election of John C. Zaragoza to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 at Ruby’s Cafe, 348 So. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard. Event includes hors d’oeuvers…
Bilingual report: Rescheduled La Colonia Resource Fair set for Dec. 11
Health screenings, services for Mixteco families, education programs planned Visitors will receive a variety of services at La Colonia Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at Del Sol Stadium, 1500 Colonia Road, in La Colonia neighborhood of…
Commentary: The “American Dream”—Part I
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor We hear a lot these days about the “American Dream,” often meant to encompass home ownership, meaningful and remunerative employment, the love of family and friends, children or dogs or cats, and enough prosperity to enjoy it…
Deadline nears for United Way’s Latino Action Team holiday book drive
The deadline is Saturday, Dec. 3 for those wishing to donate books to the United Way of Ventura County’s Latino Action Team book drive, “Donation to the Imagination.” “Tis the season to help spread holiday cheer!” the organization reported. Please…
‘Sabor’ enjoys successful reception, exhibition in SLO
“Sabor — A Tast of Latino American Artists from the Central Coast” enjoyed a successful reception and exhibition at ARTS Space Obispo, SLO Creamery, in San Luis Obispo. “Sabor,” which concluded on Nov. 24, featured the work of seven artists:…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Americas to present holiday program Dec. 2-4
Teatro de las Américas and MusicaLatitudes will present “Christmas Tales and Chants 2,” a Latin American celebration for the entire family, at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard; 8…
El Concilio extends deadline for education awards
El Concilio Family Services this week announced that it is extending the nomination deadline to Dec. 30 for its Latino Leadership Awards — “Excellence in Education” to honor individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the field of education.…
Commentary: Belly Dance—Is it about the “Belly”?
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor We Westerners have a funny way of looking at things sometimes. The Eastern world must stare at us in disbelief sometimes, wondering, with mouths agape, how we could ever arrive at our conclusions. Of course, we…
UCSB scholar presents new reading on Mayan hieroglyphics
SANTA BARBARA – By presenting a new interpretation of a Maya hieroglyphic verb, Gerardo Aldana, associate professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at UC Santa Barbara, has revised the understanding of one of the longest-studied texts in Maya archaeology, UCSB…
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…
Bilingual report: Health seminar for women on Nov. 19
“Women to Women: Living longer, living smarter,” a free health seminar for women, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Ventura County Behavioral Health, 1911 Williams Drive, Oxnard. Participants will learn about successful…
Commentary: Our own personal ‘Arab Spring’
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor Like many of you, I’ve followed — with some degree of fascination, trepidation and hope — the blossoming that took place during what has been dubbed the “Arab Spring” this past year. We watched as people…
Tickets available for MABA’s annual Scholarship Dinner on Dec. 1
Tickets are available for the annual Mexican American Bar Association Scholarship Dinner beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 600 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. Justice Carlos R. Moreno (Ret.) will be…
Commentary: The incredible shrinking Thanksgiving holiday
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor Every year the window for Thanksgiving Day shortens. Philosophically, we can say that thanks giving should be every day and that is something to strive for, but if we talk just about the holiday, wouldn’t…
Volunteers needed for MICOP’S monthly meeting on Nov. 19
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project presents its monthly community meeting starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard. Volunteers with bilingual skills are needed to help 300 people who will be filling out…
Teatro de las Américas to hold fundraising yard sale on Nov. 19
Teatro de las Américas will hold a Christmas/Navidad Garage Sale & Programa on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 1201 N. C St., Oxnard. Items can be donated by calling Margaret Cortese at 805.231.0127. *** Ayúdenos pagar la renta; resulta que los…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas / MusicaLatitudes announce holiday celebration
Teatro de las Américas and MusicaLatitudes will present “Christmas Tales and Chants 2,” a Latin American celebration for the entire family Dec 2-4 in Ventura County. Actors from Teatro de las Américas and musicians and singers from MusicaLatitudes gather into…
Commentary: The Chrysalis
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor When my daughter had her quinceañera celebration some thirteen years ago, I thought about the Latinas in her age group who didn’t have one. Either the family was too financially stressed, or they simply didn’t believe…
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…
Commentary: Honor, integrity, sacrifice
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier /Guest contributor Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or from wounds sustained from combat. That’s not quite true. Memorial Day is the…
Bilingual report: Deadline is Nov. 7 for El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards
The deadline for nominations for the 2012 El Concilio Family Services annual Latino Leadership Awards “Excellence in Education” is today, Monday, Nov. 7. El Concilio will be honoring individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the field of education.…
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.…
Víctor Ríos to talk about the impact of juvenile justice policies on Latino youth on Nov. 8 in Santa Barbara
Víctor Ríos to talk about “Punished: Policing the lives of Black and Latino boys’ at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at the UCSB Multiculture Center Theater, the university reported in a media release. Ríos analyzes how punitive juvenile crime policies…
Oxnard College to present the migrant farm worker documentary ‘The Purepecha…’ on Nov. 9
Award-winning writer, director and producer Cheryl Quintana Leader will present her short documentary “The Purepecha: Poorest of the Poor” from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Complex, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The…
CLU to present Reel Justice Film Series – ‘Which Way Home’ on Nov. 9
California Lutheran University will present the Reel Justice Film Series — “Which Way Home” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, in the Lundring Events Center. As the United States continues to build a…
Commentary: The power of Mexican mythology
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor We must not lose sight of the reality that Mexico is the confluence of two very distinct cultures: one European, and the other indigenous, with its own cultures, beliefs, practices, religions and mythologies. In…
Bilingual report: Registration suggested for Nov. 5 college family conference at CSU Channel Islands
The Oxnard Union High School District will present the “College Family Conference: Making it Happen,” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at CSU Channel Islands. Advance registration is suggested. Parents and students in the 9th and 10th grade…
Commentary: A lasting legacy
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor A good friend, Josie Salinas, passed on to meet her Creator this past August. She filled her life serving others through her friendship, mentoring, and career. As the first female Native American Spiritual Advisor, she…
UCSB talk on Mexican literature set for Nov. 3-5 in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — A group of international scholars and writers will gather at UC Santa Barbara for “The Two Faces of Fiction,” the 14th annual colloquium on Mexican literature. The three-day event begins at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3…
‘Sabor…’ comes to ARTS Space Obispo with reception on Nov. 4
“Sabor ~ A Taste of Latino Artists from the Central Coast,” opens with a reception at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 during San Luis Obispo’s monthy Art After Dark artwalk at ARTS Space Obispo, SLO Creamery, 570 Higuera St., #165, San Luis Obispo. “Sabor means…
Ramona Days set for Nov. 5 at Rancho Camulos
Performances by the core cast and dancers from the world famous Hemet Ramona Outdoor Play will highlight the fourth annual “Ramona Days” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at Rancho Camulos Museum National Historic Landmark in Piru,…
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…
Bilingual report: Mexican Consulate publishes Día de los Muertos calendario
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Friday published its Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) calendario featuring events in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Click here or on image above to open a pdf of all events
Bilingual report: Líderes Campesinas to hold annual march Oct. 28
Líderes Campesinas will present its annual March/ Vigil and Apron Exhibit beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at Iglesia Cristo Rey and concluding at Iglesia de Guadalupe in La Colonia neighborhood of Oxnard. Presented by the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA), Interface Children’s…
Commentary: Day of the Dead
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor The first of November begins the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) festivities. Its roots can be traced back to indigenous cultures. The Aztecs had a celebration in the ninth month of their calendar…
805 region gearing up for Día de los Muertos events
From Thousand Oaks to Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara and beyond, communities are preparing for the annual Día de los Muertos celebrations in the 805 region. The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard recently requested community organizers to submit a comprehensive list of…
CSU Channel Islands to present ‘Latin Grammys Exhibit’ reception on Oct. 27
CSU Channel Islands will present the opening reception for “The Latin Grammys Exhibit” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at the John Spoor Broome Library, Millenium News Center Area. The music museum exhibit was installed in partnership with The GRAMMY…
Author Demetria Martínez to receive UCSB’s Luis Leal Literature Award on Oct. 27
SANTA BARBARA — Poet, novelist, and journalist Demetria Martínez is the recipient of UC Santa Barbara’s 2011 Luis Leal Award for Distinction in Chicano/Latino Literature, the university reported in a media release. The award will be presented during a ceremony…
Reservations due on Oct. 28 for ‘Celebration of Justice Reception’
Reservations are due by Friday, Oct. 28 for the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s “Celebration of Justice Reception.” The reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3 at Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston St., Ventura.…
Volunteers needed for MICOP’S monthly meeting on Oct. 29
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project presents its monthly community meeting starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard. In conjunction with the Rio Neighborhood for Learning, a community meeting will also be held at…
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…