The Mary Kay Foundation Supports Victims of Domestic Violence by Issuing $3 Million in Grants to 150 Domestic Violence Shelters Across the Country SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — In support of survivors of domestic violence, The Mary Kay FoundationSM announced…
Category: Education
Retired Firefighter Creates Fire-hose Flags to Support Ventura and Santa Barbara Veterans and First Responders
SANTA BARBARA — John Carrillo, a retired Santa Barbara City firefighter turned artist, recently stumbled across some items online that were created from fire hoses. That’s when he was inspired to create his first American flag using the same equipment…
Free United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Makes Tax Season Accessible for All
SANTA BARBARA — With the clock now ticking toward the April 15 deadline, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is now offering free, bi-lingual tax preparation centers for families and individuals who earned less than $66,000 in 2018. UWSBC’s…
Bilingual commentary: When Diet Is Our Religion
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 •…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcome Elaine K. Mah Best as New Executive Director
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to welcome Elaine K. Mah Best as the organization’s new executive director. She will begin serving in her new role on February 11. Best brings 14 years of executive leadership experience and…
Assemblymember Limón Introduces New Legislation for Agricultural Climate Change Adaptation Tools
SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 409 by Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) which seeks to make climate change adaptation tools more readily available to farmers and agricultural businesses was introduced. California is home to just over 77,000 farms and ranches and as a…
Former Redwood Boys & Girls Club is Transformed …Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Takes Place to Welcome the New John L. Notter Family Boys & Girls Club
THOUSAND OAKS — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) will officially introduce the John L. Notter Family Boys & Girls Club in Thousand Oaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 20 from 1:30 to 3:00…
Jackson Calls for Master Plan on Aging Californians
Introduces legislation to develop senior master plan and appoint an “Aging Czar” SACRAMENTO — As California’s aging population continues to grow with significant numbers struggling to access essential care, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation Feb. 7 to develop a master…
Dr. Melissa V. Moreno selected as Vice President of SBCC School of Extended Learning
SANTA BARBARA — On February 1, 2019, Dr. Melissa Moreno assumed the role of Vice President of SBCC’s School of Extended Learning. Dr. Moreno has been with Santa Barbara City College for more than 10 years, beginning in 2008 when she…
Allied Van Lines announces Scholarship 2019
Allied Van Lines, one of the leading moving companies in America, is excited to offer a 2019 scholarship program aimed at students whose area of study focuses on logistics and moving-related fields. We are committed to growing our industry and supporting…
VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – February 2019
Greetings! Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! For 18 years, VCCDC has operated with the belief that a home is the cornerstone of any individual and family’s economic, environmental and social well-being. This year, we promise to…
Bilingual report: County Fire receives grant funding for Child Passenger Safety Education and Training Program
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Protection District has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to expand the department’s Child Passenger Safety Program. Together with Safe Kids Ventura County and Ventura County Public Health,…
Yarrow Family YMCA—Final Fundraising Push Before Spring Opening
THOUSAND OAKS — The Yarrow Family YMCA is $375,000 away from reaching its $12 million fundraising goal needed to complete construction before its opening this spring. Construction recently resumed in May 2018 with the building slated to open very soon.…
Calabasas High School Wins 2019 Ventura County Academic Decathlon
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2019 Ventura County Academic Decathlon is Calabasas High School. Coming in second place is La Reina High School, followed by Westlake High School,…
Assemblymember Irwin introduces bill package addressing gun violence
SACRAMENTO – On the same week that the State Assembly adjourned in the memory of the Borderline shooting victims, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) introduced a package of bills that will help keep firearms out of the hands…
Senator Jackson Speaks Out Against Proposed Title IX Changes
SACRAMENTO –In the final week to submit formal comments to Trump Administration Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s proposed changes to Title IX, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) ,released the following statement condemning the proposed regulations as dangerous and backward. Her formal letter,…
Save the Date: El Concilio Family Services to present 30th annual ‘Latino Leadership Awards’
OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services will present its 30th annual “Latino Leadership Awards: Making a Difference — Together We Thrive,” with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 12, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Honorees will be…
March 8 — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present La Patronal in Free Family Concert
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present La Patronal in a free family concert at 7 p.m. Friday, March 8 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St, Santa Barbara. Doors open at 6:30pm. Reception follows concert.…
March 9 — SMJUHSD to present 7th annual Latinos Unidos Conference
SANTA MARIA — Ways to relieve stress and information about mental health will be a few of the topics discussed at the 7thAnnual SMJUHSD Latinos Unidos Conference on Saturday, March 9th. The event, which will highlight “Self Care”, is scheduled…
March 9 — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present La Patronal in Free Family Concert
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present La Patronal in a free family concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9, March Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St, Santa Barbara. Doors open at 6:30pm. Reception follows concert. La Patronal,…
March 10 — SBMA to present ‘Studio Sunday with La Patronal’
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present: “Studio Sunday with La Patronal,” Sunday, March 10, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. 1:30 – 2 pm — La Patronal La Patronal, a unique brass band from Lima, Peru, performs music rooted in the…
March 10 — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present La Patronal in Free Family Concert
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present La Patronal in a free family concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, March Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St, Santa Barbara. Doors open at 6:30pm. Reception follows concert. La Patronal, a unique…
Through March 14 — ‘Empoderamienta: The Art of Latina Artists’ at Ventura College
Empoderamienta: The Art of Latina Artists On display at the Ventura College New Media Gallery will be Empoderamienta: The Art of Latina Artists curated by Ann H. Bittl. This exhibition explores the art of Latin American women artists with an…
UCSB to present ‘Migration, Environment and the Search for Sanctuary’ symposium on March 1
Symposium, presented by UCSB’s Asian American Studies and the Department of Chicano and Chicana Studies at Cal State Northridge, will kick off a global public history project on migration and environmental justice. By Jim Logan • UCSB If we consider…
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams: Evacuation Warning issued for Friday evening
Greetings! , The weather advisory issued for FRIDAY night through SATURDAY morning has been upgraded to an evacuation warning. A storm is coming in that is expected to be exceed thresholds to require evacuation. This means that we are in the…
Carlos Marquez, new manager of the Charles T. Munger Physics Residence, reflects on a long and fruitful career on campus
By Shelly Leachman • UCSB Carlos Marquez wasn’t too long returned from a four-year stint with the U.S. Army and looking for steady work when his brother referred him to his own employer, UC Santa Barbara. It’s a solid job,…
CSUCI Mathematics faculty member chosen as a national 2019 ‘Emerging Scholar’
CAMARILLO — A CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Mathematics faculty member who got her start counting dollar bills in the family’s swap meet business has just been chosen as a 2019 Emerging Scholar by a national academic publication. “Diverse: Issues in Higher…
KidSTREAM Appoints Three New Directors to its Board
VENTURA — KidSTREAM, an emerging children’s museum committed to providing hands-on exhibits and programs based on science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math (STREAM), announced the addition of three new members to its board of directors, Holly Cole, David Haas…
Local high school teacher learns new lessons from foster student
VENTURA COUNTY — Karen Blackwell has dedicated 40 years of her life to teaching middle school and high school students. For the last 25 years she taught at Ventura High School where, in August 2017, she first met Keanna, a…
SEEAG Seeks Business/Organization Supporters For New Mobile Classroom
VENTURA COUNTY — As part of its new Ventura County Child Wellness Initiative, Students for Eco-Education & Agriculture (SEEAG) is bringing its message of healthy eating, proper nutrition and daily exercise to classrooms throughout Ventura County using its new 30-foot-long…
Community Environmental Council Announces Launch of Electric Drive 805
Regional Coalition Seeks to Increase Access to Electric Vehicles SANTA BARBARA — Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce the launch of “Electric Drive 805,” a new coalition of local government agencies and nonprofits that will lead local efforts to…
Das Williams: Weather Advisory for Friday Evening
Greetings! , Our County Office of Emergency Management has issued a weather advisory for FRIDAY night through SATURDAY morning. A storm is coming in that is expected to be exceed thresholds to require evacuation. This means that we are in the…
‘Hailing Cesar’ documentary on Cesar Chavez by grandson Eduardo Chavez to be presented Jan. 30 at UCSB Multicultural Center Theatre
SANTA BARBARA — “Hailing Cesar,” a documentary on Cesar Chavez by grandson Eduardo Chavez, will be presented at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the UCSB Multicultural Center Theatre. The grandson of civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, Eduardo Chavez, embarks…
Bilingual report: Human Services Agency to Host Free Tax Preparation Assistance
VENTURA — Concerned about filing your taxes? The Human Services Agency is partnering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) to offer free tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with earnings up to $55,000 in 2018. Staffed by a…
Jackson Introduces Bill to Ensure Emergency Plans Address Diverse Population Needs
SB 160 directs emergency planners to consider linguistic and cultural needs of all residents SACRAMENTO –Following the deadliest and most destructive fire season in California history, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to ensure local governments address the diverse…
National Sexual Assault Experts to Train Local Law Enforcement on Feb. 22
SLO County Law Enforcement, Prosecutors, and Victim Service Professionals to Receive Training from National Experts on Sexual Assault Response SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Over 200 law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, victim service providers and others are expected to attend a…
Jackson Announces Legislation on 50th Anniversary of Santa Barbara Oil Spill
SACRAMENTO –On the 50th anniversary of the devastating Santa Barbara Oil Spill, the largest oil spill in California waters, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to strengthen pipeline safety requirements, furthering her work to prevent and remediate oil spills…
Livingston Memorial announces upcoming Grief Support Groups
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. No two people grieve alike, even when experiencing the same loss. **Free**Bereavement Support Groups Livingston Memorial VNA and Hospice OPEN TO THE PUBLIC HELD WEEKLY / DROP INs WELCOME…
Economic Impact Study details the talent, growth and revenue CSUCI brings to state and county
CAMARILLO — An educated work force, a healthier economy and opportunities for upward social mobility are among numerous economic advantages CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) brings to the state, county and surrounding cities. The CSUCI Economic Impact Report for the 2016-17 fiscal…
Registrations for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten happening at OSD for the 2019-2020 school year
OXNARD — The Oxnard School District is accepting student registrations for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year between January 22, 2019 and February 28, 2019. Kindergarten students must be five years old by September 1, 2019. Transitional Kindergarten…
Norma (Alexa) Cervantes Gonzalez, receives this year’s Peter A. Alevra Scholarship
By Santa Barbara City College SANTA BARBARA — Norma (Alexa) Cervantes Gonzalez was awarded the Peter Alevra Memorial Scholarship for 2018 based upon her contributions to multicultural understanding and participation in campus and community activities which help to create a sense…
Bilingual commentary: Working Remotely
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 •…
Former SBCC student Miguel Cruz featured speaker at Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara luncheon
By Santa Barbara City College SANTA BARBARA — Every year, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara hosts a Community Leaders Luncheon in December to recognize Scholarship Foundation donors and volunteers. This year, featured speakers included Miguel Cruz, a Scholarship Foundation recipient and…
Former U.S. Second Lady Tipper Gore becomes founding donor for CSUCI peer mentor program
CAMARILLO — After transferring to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) from Alan Hancock College in Santa Maria, Business major Bryan Calazan, 29, was struggling. He was overwhelmed attending school full time while also holding down a full-time job. “When I transferred from…
Bilingual report: County of Ventura Invites Public Input on Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report and Public Scoping Meeting for the 2040 General Plan
VENTURA — The County’s Planning Division has invited the public to provide input on a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report and to be heard at a public scoping meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 30,…
Santa Maria High School Business Economic Students compete in Los Angeles Region’s ‘Stock Market Game’
SANTA MARIA — Business is business, and business can be fun, says the winners of the SMHS team. Business economics students Jose Garza and Josue Lopez Vega recently placed 6thout of nearly 1,100 teams who competed in the Los Angeles Region’s…
Bilingual report: Effort launched to transition county drivers to electric vehicles
VENTURA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC), the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition, the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, and the Air Pollution Control Districts of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties are launching “Electric Drive 805.” The new…
Ross Dress for Less in Thousand Oaks works with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley
In-store giving campaign to provide funds Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley THOUSAND OAKS – Every year, nearly four million young people are served by Boys & Girls Clubs. To celebrate these extraordinary efforts, Ross Stores, Inc. announced…
GCTD Announces Changes in Board Leadership and Management Team
OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County’s largest provider of public transit, has announced some changes in its Board of Directors and management team. On January 9th, the GCTD Board of Directors elected Cheryl Heitmann as its 2019 Board…
After 16 years RISE retires Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event
Mark your calendars for ‘RISE Up & Rock’! SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — For sixteen years RISE has hosted Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, an event aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence and empowering SLO County to take…