Tickets are now available for the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival concert at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Santa Barbara Bowl. The event features Pedro Fernandez, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan and Mariachi Los Toros. Tickets are $48.50, $58.50 and $83.50.…
Category: Cultural
Latino Links: Demographic trends
Births have overtaken immigration as the main driver of Hispanic population growth in the United States, the Pew Hispanic Center in Washington, D.C. reported recently. In a story on www.msnbc.com, the center found that the Mexican-American population grew by 7.2…
Taller de Lenguas Indígenas 19-21 de julio en la Universidad de Channel Islands
“Me permito informar a la comunidad que en el Taller de Lenguas Indígenas que se realizará en la Universidad de Channel Islands, CA., se inscribieron cerca de 70 personas. “La finalidad del taller es conocer la riqueza de las Lenguas Indígenas de México, apoyar…
Commentary: The importance of place
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I was born in Alhambra, California, 9 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, and at the age of 63 I hadn’t strayed far across L.A. to the west side. For many years I felt…
Commentary: Dealing with prejudice
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Prejudice has not been a major problem in my life — at least as far as I know. I’ve brushed against it throughout my lifetime, as we all have in one form or another, whether…
Mexican Consulate releases July schedule
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Tuesday released its schedule of events for July. Click here to view a pdf of the schedule.
Commentary: So you want to write
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor There is a saying that “everyone has a story,” and that is true, but few know how to translate stories into books for readers. What motivates a person to write? What are the tips and…
Amada Irma Perez to unveil new book on July 12
Amada Irma Perez will unveil her new book and give a presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 at the Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo. For more information, call Kathleen Kaiser at 805.524.6970. *** Amada Irma Perez…
Oxnard City Council to consider Spanish-language broadcast at July 12 meeting
The Oxnard City Council will consider a policy to broadcast meetings of the city council with interpretation into Spanish during its next meeting at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 at the council chambers, 305 W. Third St., Oxnard. “LULAC believes…
Bilingual report: Mexican Consulate posts video of photographic exhibit
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has posted a video on the photographic exhibit on immigration by José Hernández Claire — “Exodo Natcional,” featuring images from Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. *** José Hernández Claire literalmente retrata estas historias…
Latino Links: Media Trends
Biculturalism is a key to understanding the advertising, marketing and media consumption habits of Latinos in the United States, according to a recent study by Horowitz Associates. In its annual FOCUS: Latino Report, 18 percent of those Latinos surveyed identified…
Gran Kermes benefit set for July 10 in Port Hueneme
Club Social Potrero de Gallegos will present the “Gran Kermes” to benefit the remodeling of the church from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 10 at Casa de Chuy, 665 Pearson Road, Port Hueneme. Event features food, entertainment by DJ…
Commentary: Eating in the 805 (and the rest of America)
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I recently returned from living in Paris for about a year. Of course, everyone raves about French food, but we have great chefs here in the United States. Is it really true that French…
Commentary: On Becoming An “Old Guy”
By David Magallanes/ Guest contributor The Fourth of July was a glorious summer day in Ventura, as are many summer days in our coastal county region. But the Fourth was particularly joyful for me because I was able to spend the…
‘A Better Life’ opening July 8 in Oxnard
A powerful film called A Better Life, with an all-Latino cast and already garnering positive reviews, may not be seen by millions of Latinos unless we take action and get the word out, Miguel Orozco of Nueva Vista Media reported in a…
Healthy community forum set for July 9
The Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, Future Leaders of America and other organizations will present “Raising healthy kids and healthy communities: A community action forum,” from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July…
Día de las Comidas set for July 8 in Santa Barbara
Día de las Comidas, a benefit for Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Hispanic Family Services, will be held at various times and restaurants in Santa Barbara. Locations are Carlitos Café y Cantina, 1324 State St. in Santa Barbara, 805.962.7117; Cava Restaurant &…
CSUCI’s Lacayo Institute receives $25,000 grant from AT&T
The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at California State University, Channel Islands, recently received a grant for $25,000 from AT&T, the university reported Wednesday in a media release. The grant will fund a Telecommunications/Technology Literacy/Workforce…
Ventura Film Festival opens July 8
The 2011 Ventura Film Festival, which features more than 250 films and screenplays from more than 25 countries around the world, takes place over 11 days from July 8-18 in five theaters. The festival includes an opening night dinner with Academy…
Commentary: Hey, let’s blame the President!
By David Magallanes/ Guest contributor This is my first foray into anything remotely political. I know that writing political articles is like touching that third rail: I’m asking to be “fried.” That’s not a typo; I don’t think I’m going to…
A weekend filled with art
Events coming up on July 1 in Oxnard, San Luis Obispo From the artists of tomorrow to established artists in the north 805 region, this Fourth of July weekend will offer visitors a wide variety of works to examine. El Concilio…
CSUCI Alumni & Friends to present ‘Through the Grapevine’ on June 30
CSU Channel Islands Alumni & Friends Association invites alumni, friends and the public to join Provost Dawn Neuman, Hank and Leah Lacayo, Wayne and Barbara Davey and Carl and Nancy Wesely for their annual wine event, ‘Through the Grapevine’ from…
Commentary: What’s “The Big Deal?”
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Michele Serros fans, mark your calendars. Lulu y Mucha present a Lucy Rodriguez film based on a short story from Serros’ book “How to Be a Chicana Role Model.” It debuts at the Ventura Film Festival,…
Supporters attend Zaragoza reelection breakfast
A group of more than 500 supporters, including local business owners, elected officials, labor representatives and community leaders joined together at Casa Lopez in Oxnard to celebrate the opening event to re-elect John Zaragoza to the Ventura County Board of…
Bilingual update: Whooping cough vaccine clinic set for June 30 in Santa Paula
The Ventura County Health Care Agency Las Islas Mobile Medical Clinic & Public Health Immunization Program have partnered to offer low-cost or no-cost Tdap vaccine for students entering 7th – 12th grade this year, 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30…
El Concilio Family Services ‘Youth Art Exhibit’ on July 1
El Concilio Family Services will present a “Youth Art Exhibit” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 1 at the Downtown Center for the Arts, 329 N. 5th St., Oxnard. Artwork is from the third session of the Youth Painters…
Bilingual update: Teatro concludes its ‘Readers’ Theater’ series June 24-26
Teatro de las Américas concludes its Readers’ Theater series with its third production, “The Immigrant Experience.” Written and produced by Ángela Cruz and the Actors’ Workshop, the one-act play is based on stories collected by the Actors’ Workshop about the…
Commentary: Staying healthy in an unhealthy nation
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Summer is at last arriving! Here on the coast, the sun manages to finally break through the clouds every day and bestows upon us a tempered warmth that invites us all to head for the…
Commentary: Staycations
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor School is out, summer is officially here, and the kids want to go on vacation. What do you do when you have limited resources and time? You ‘staycation.’ “What’s that?” the kids said when I…
Film screening of ‘Memories of a Mexican’ on June 23
The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation will present the film screening for “Memories of a Mexican” at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23 at Presido Chapel at El Presido de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, 123 E. Canon Perdido…
Bilingual update: Breast cancer awareness lecture set for June 21
The Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) education will present a lecture on the non-medical challenges that can accompany a breast cancer diagnosis, including insurance, financial resources, housing, and transportation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 at the Tannahill Auditorium, Schott Center,…
Tortilla art dinner/dance fundraiser set for June 24
A dinner/dance fundraiser and exhibition of the tortilla art of Gloria Hidrogo will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24 at Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar, 455 So A St., Oxnard. “Gloria was invited to exhibit her tortilla art…
Mente sana/cuerpo sano talleres 18, 25 de junio
La Casa de la Raza en Santa Barbara te invita a una serie de talleres enfocados en la salud familiar. Cuidado de ninos y comida! sabado 18 de junio – 11-1 pm Derechos de los inmigrantes y como apoyar a la…
Commentary: It’s not easy being a pescetarian
By David Magallanes/ Guest contributor Wikipedia, the online free (but very informative) encyclopedia, defines what I practice: Pescetarianism is the practice of a diet that includes seafood, and excludes other animals. In addition to fish and/or shellfish, a pescetarian diet typically…
Groups present redistricting workshop on June 18
In preparation for the California Redistricting Commission public hearing, a redistricting workshop will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18 at Driffill Elementary School, 910 So. E St., Oxnard. The commission has submitted an initial proposal that…
MICOP to hold monthly meeting on June 18
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project presents its monthly community meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard. English-speaking volunteers needed for literacy program. Call Donna Foster at 805.483.1166, send an email…
Commentary: Toes in the sand. Nose in a book
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier /Guest contributor This catchy headline is the title for Border’s summer book list. Now if we could just find the time to read the entire list and have the money to buy all the books. Since that’s…
Latino Links: Political Trends
The proposed redistricting for California is a “Worst-Case Scenario” for Latinos in California, according to a news report on June 11 by New American Media. The first batch of political maps by California’s new Citizens Redistricting Commission is having exactly the…
Claudia Pardo’s ‘Atmostfear’ opening reception on June 11
The opening reception for “Atmostfear,” new painting by Claudia Pardo, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at the Upfront Gallery, 267 So. Laurel St., Ventura. The exhibit will continue through July 2. Call 805.405.4954 for more…
Commentary: The joys and challenges of living in the most beautiful city in the world
By Boyd Lemon / Guest columnist I lived in Paris for most of a year — from June 2010 to April 2011 — a dream I shared with many people for a long time. I found living in Paris full…
Pregúntale a tu abogado viernes 10 de Junio en Oxnard
Foro sobre asuntos legales, este viernes 10 de Junio de 5 a 8 AM en el Consulado de México, 3151 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. 805.984.8738, ext. 112 y 103, www.consulmexoxnard.com
Commentary: The Kiss
By David Magallanes/ Guest columnist Walking into my home, you might suddenly get the feeling that you’d entered an art museum. Before you jump to any conclusions, I can’t draw or paint my way out of a paper bag. But my…
Latino Professional Network event set for June 9 in L.A.
Poet Enedina Castañeda of Santa Maria reports that the Latino Professional Network will present its “Fuego!” networking event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9 at the Belasco Theater, 1050 So. Hill St., downtown Los Angeles. “1,200 successful Latino leaders from L.A.,…
Commentary: Summer reads for teens
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier /Guest contributor Secretary of Education Arne Duncan described summer learning loss as “devastating.” Researchers often refer to this loss as the “summer slide.” Studies show that students’, who read more, read better; they also write better, spell…
Updated: Zaragoza announces his bid for re-election
Ventura County Supervisor John C. Zaragoza has announced his bid for re-election at a media conference held Monday, June 6 at the Ventura County Government Center. “I am proud of my achievements as a County Supervisor. In a short time,…
Community urged to call in to fight Oxnard redistricting
Oxnard residents are being urged to call the California Redistricting Commission to voice their opposition to a proposal that would split Oxnard into two Assembly District. Half of Oxnard’s residents, as well as Santa Paula and Fillmore, would be split and go…
Mexican Consulate posts June activities
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has posted its events calendar for the month of June. Click here to get PDF of June calendar.
Latino Links: Political Trends
The Tequila Party is coming to a state near year. Latinos seeking to counter the influence on immigration policy by the tea party movement have launched the movement with the slogan “Your shot at change,” according to a report in…
Guest column: What do men want?
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist In 2000, Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt starred in the romantic comedy “What Women Want.” As the movie progresses toward its happy ending, Mel’s character, Nick Marshall, brings his Martian orbit closer to that of…
Review: Summer reads for children
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor Studies show that children who read four or more books over the summer fare better on reading-comprehension tests in the fall than their peers who read one or no books. Here are some Américas…