Category: Education

Bilingual commentary: Leaping over the wage gap

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…

Bilingual report: UFW founder Dolores Huerta partners with Covered California to promote Latino enrollment

Human Rights Activist Featured in Radio Ads and Video Urging Californians to Sign Up for Health Insurance Coverage SACRAMENTO — Covered California™ announced that Dolores Huerta, co-founder of United Farm Workers and a longtime civil rights leader, will appeal to…

Oxnard College to present ‘Latinologues’ on March 12

OXNARD — The Oxnard College Literature, Arts and Lecture Series will present “Latinologues” from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Award-winning actor-writer-director-producer-comedian Rick Najera will entertain the…

Guest commentary: Access — Coming Home

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 I…

‘From Hell to Healing — The Art of Vietnam Vets’ opening reception to be held at Bell Arts Factory on March 7

VENTURA — The City of Ventura, the Big Read and Bell Arts Factory will present “From Hell to Healing — The Art of Vietnam Vets” featuring the works of Vietnam veterans Jess Gutierrez, Orlando Menchaca, James Graca and Michael Arndt from 5:30…

Las Contemporañeas at the Museum of Ventura County to present inaugural Latina Short-Film Festival on March 8

VENTURA — Las Contemporañeas at the Museum of Ventura County will present the inaugural Latina Short-Film Festival (LSFF) on Saturday, March 8. The LSFF begins with a dessert and champagne reception from 6:30-7:15 p.m. followed by an award to keynote speaker,…

‘Beyond the Latino Sports Hero: The Role of Sports in Creating Communities, Networks and Identities’ to be presented in Simi Valley on March 8

SIMI VALLEY — CSU Channel Islands will present the Spring Lecture Series talk “Beyond the Latino Sports Hero: The Role of Sports in Creating Communities, Networks and Identities” at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at the Simi Valley Public Library,…

‘Latinologues’ to be held at Oxnard College on March 12

 OXNARD — The Oxnard College Literature, Arts and Lecture Series will present “Latinologues” from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Award-winning actor-writer-director-producer-comedian Rick Najera will entertain the audience with monologues…

Bilingual commentary: Desiderata — Part VII Achievements and Plans

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 American…

Institute for Latino Performing Arts to present CBS Diversity Comedy Showcase on Feb. 22 at Oxnard College

OXNARD — The Oxnard College Institute for Latino Performing Arts presents “CBS Diversity Comedy Showcase” on Saturday, Feb. 22  in the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Auditorium, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. There is a 6 p.m. reception, followed by the main…

UCSB Conference on Feb. 21-22 to examine the historiography of the Chicano Movement

Special guest panel will discuss ‘The Blowout Generation and Sal Castro’ By Andrea Estrada / UCSB In March 1968, thousands of Chicano students walked out of their East Los Angeles high schools to protest decades of inferior or discriminatory education…

CSU Channel Islands’ Pilar Pacheco receives statewide award for excellence in community engagement

CAMARILLO — Pilar Pacheco, associate director of the Center for Community Engagement at CSU Channel Islands, has earned a prestigious statewide recognition for her impact on service-learning and campus-community partnerships throughout Ventura County and the CSU system, the university reported Thursday in…

¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present Perla Batalla in free concerts Feb. 7-9

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Grammy-nominated vocalist Perla Batalla and her combo in free family concerts at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta (805-893-5037); 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at…

Local briefs

VENTURA COUNTY — Low- to moderate-income workers who had a household income of $52,000 or less in 2013 can receive free tax preparation and income tax filing at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site located throughout Ventura County, the…

More local financial news

> California Lutheran University this summer will open a Westlake Village center to house a new business incubator and provide expanded facilities for its Community Counseling Center and School of Management, the university reported in a media release. At the…

UCSB to honor ‘City of Night’ author John Rechy with Luis Leal Award for Distinction in Chicano/Latino Literature

SANTA BARBARA — Novelist John Rechy is this year’s recipient of the UC Santa Barbara’s Luis Leal Award for Distinction in Chicano/Latino Literature, university 0fficials reported in a media release. The award will be presented during a ceremony at 4 p.m.…

Guest commentary: Agrarian Year Up program would benefit area youth, restore Ormond Beach

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 We at…

Bilingual commentary: Young Latinos and the New Economy

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 The…

CSU Channel Islands’ Antonio Jiménez Jiménez named administrator of the American Translators Association’s Educators Division

CAMARILLO — Antonio Jiménez Jiménez, Associate Professor of Spanish at CSU Channel Islands (CI), has been named administrator of the American Translators Association’s (ATA) Educators Division. Based in Alexandria, Va., the ATA is the nation’s largest professional organization for translators and interpreters, with…

Jan. 31 nomination deadline approaching for El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards

OXNARD — The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 to submit nominations for the 25th annual El Concilio Family Services’ Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 31 in Oxnard. “Since 1990, El Concilio Family Services has recognized…

Guest commentary: Chrysler’s follow up to “To the Farmer in All of Us’ Superbowl commercial needs to be more inclusive

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…

Hospice of Santa Barbara to present bilingual support groups for parents, children starting in Feburary

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara will present free support groups, in both English and Spanish, for adults and caregivers of bereaved children and teens every Wednesday from Feb. 19 through April 9, the organization reported Tuesday in a media release. The…

Consulate of Mexico and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking to hold forum on Jan. 23 in Oxnard

OXNARD — Consulate of Mexico and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking will hold forum “Abolish Salvery & Trafficking of People and the Signing Ceremony of MOU” from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23  at El Alfarero Assembly of…

Guest commentary: Ivan Illich’s toe

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 Other…

CSU Channel Islands took part this week in ‘Operation Ready Ventura County 2014’ earthquake drill

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands took part in ‘Operation Ready Ventura County 2014,’ a multi-agency earthquake drill held Jan. 14-16. The event comes during the same week as the 20th anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake on Jan. 17, 1994. The Ventura…

Bilingual report: State Sen. Jackson, Assemblymember Williams to co-sponsor Jan. 18 health care forum in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) and Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) will host a Town Hall forum Saturday, Jan. 18 to help explain how federal health care reform will affect Californians. The meeting will take place from 10:30…

Guest commentary: El Baruyo. Context in understanding history’s unforgettable characters

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 Context…

Bilingual commentary: The Wisdom of Desiderata — Part IV — Speaking Our Truth

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 Once…

Guest commentary: Back to Bachimba — Why history makes us important

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 History…

Guest commentary: The word Neo is not new. The age of the billionaires

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 Every…

Guest commentary: The need for a paradigm shift > toward unconditional love

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 At the…

Bilingual commentary: The Wisdom of Desiderata — Part III — On good terms with others

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 As…

Guest commentary: The tyranny of words privatization, marketization, globalization “Greed is Good”

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 People…

El Centrito Family Learning Centers in Oxnard thanks supporters

Dear El Centrito Family & Friends, We are inspired by the tremendous community support our holiday campaign has received. Thank you for your generous donations that nurture our roots and support us as we reach for new heights. The El Centrito…

Bilingual commentary: The Wisdom of Desiderata — Part II — The Peace of Silence

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 Last…

Guest commentary: The Great American chastity belt — The obsession to control our minds

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 The…

Bilingual commentary: The Wisdom of Desiderata — Part I

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 Over…

December cover story: The magic of the season comes to 805 region

Religious and cultural celebrations, giving campaigns mark the holidays By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The lighting of the Christmas tree, holiday parades, religious and cultural observances and, above all, the spirit of giving mark the return of the holiday…

Commentary: 10 reasons for kids to read multicultural books

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 Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest…

Bilingual report: Promotoras y Promotores Foundation to present bilingual program on the Affordable Care Act on Dec. 5

OXNARD —  The Promotoras y Promotores Foundation will present a bilingual information program on the Affordable Care Act and Covered California from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at its offices, 1500 Camino Del Sol, Room 21, in the…

Guest commentary: Blame the Greek! Criticism, an abandoned process

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 The…

Bilingual commentary: When Friends Say, ‘Don’t Do It!’

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 It…

Bilingual report: Casa Dolores to hold Latin American arts & crafts sale on Dec. 7 in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Casa Dolores will hold its annual Latin American Arts & Crafts sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1023 Bath St., Santa Barbara. The event features Latin American artists from the Santa Barbara and Ventura areas.…

Guest commentary: Los Muertos de Hambre The War on Chicana/o Studies. Unmasking the illusion of inclusion

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 Muertos…

Guest commentary: Latina Voices, vision and stories

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editors 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 Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Storytelling…

Guest commentary: El Día de los Pendejos? / The Day of the Fools?

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 British…

CSU Channel Islands director of Admissions & Records wins national award

Ginger Reyes named 2013 Mid-Level Student Affairs Professional by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators CAMARILLO — Ginger Reyes, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and director of Admissions & Records at CSU Channel Islands (CI), has been named a leader in…

VCCF announces $1.2 million in scholarships available for students

Informational sessions to be held Nov. 13, 20 CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation is accepting applications for more than $1.2 million in scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year, the organization reported Tuesday in a media release. Applying for…

Guest commentary: Identity Crisis — An Arrested Development

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 The…

UCSB to present talk on race, government on Nov. 13

SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Interdisciplinary Humanities Center will present Kenneth Prewitt, author of “TALK: What is Your Race? — And Why the Government Should Ask,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the Mosher Alumni House. Prewitt is a Carnegie Professor of…

Bilingual commentary: Music on college campuses — Rock or Bach?

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 As…

Former migrant worker turned motivational speaker to give presentation at Allan Hancock College on Nov. 7

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria will present guest speaker Raúl Lomelí, co-founder and executive chairman of Saber es Poder (Knowledge is Power), a Spanish-language media and empowerment network, on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.…

Guest commentary: The Devil made me do it. American exceptionalism revisited

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 After…

Organización en California de Líderes Campesinas to conduct candlelight vigil, ‘Apron Project’ exhibit on Oct. 25 in Oxnard

OXNARD — Líderes Campesinas will hold a vigil against domestic violence from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 500 No. Juanita Ave., Oxnard. As a united community, we will remember women who have died as…

22 new volunteer wish granters needed in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo Counties

SAN LUIS OBISPO AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties currently has a critical need for 22 new  Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County Volunteer Wish Granters. 20 New Wish Granters are needed in Lompoc, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria and 2…

Bilingual commentary: Women warriors

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 Women…

Guest commentary: Lessons from the Working Class. “When the Moment Comes”

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 “The…

Chicano Art Collection of Ben Saiz opens Oct. 21 at Ventura College Santa Paula. Reception is Oct. 25

SANTA PAULA — The Chicano Art Collection of Ben Saiz will open Monday, Oct. 21 at Ventura College Santa Paula, 957 Faulkner Road, 106, Santa Paula. Curated by Xavier “Big X” Montes, the exhibit features original works of art by Diego Rivera, David…

Guest commentary: Oxnard’s Arts in Public Places and that silly little world called ‘sustainability’

An open letter to Oxnard’s Art in Public Places Committee 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…

El Centrito Family Learning Centers opens new toddler program

OXNARD — El Centrito Family Learning Centers, in partnership with First 5 Ventura County and the Ocean View School District, opened the new Little Dolphins Early Learning Program on Aug. 28, at the Ocean View Early Education Site (OVEES), creating…

Guest commentary: Vestal Virgins

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 Ancient…

Panel discussion examines plight of ‘Out of Status’ students throughout history on Oct. 15 at UCSB

SANTA BARBARA — They are among California’s highest achievers. High school graduates — in many cases their class valedictorians — community volunteers and now university students. They are hardworking seekers of their own version of the American Dream. They are also…

Guest commentary: El Día La Raza. What happened to the indigenous race?

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 When…

Mexican American Bar Association to present annual scholarship dinner on Oct. 18

OXNARD – The Ventura County Mexican American Bar Association and the Education Foundation of MABA will present their annual scholarship dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 600 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. Luis J. Rodriguez,…

Photographer to discuss how ‘The Migrant Project’ cultivated food forward on Oct. 19

SANTA PAULA — Photographer Rick Nahmias will speak at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 about the creative journey behind his featured exhibition, “The Migrant Project,” the Museum of Ventura County reported in…

De Colores Art Show to celebrate 20th anniversary

SANTA PAULA — The 20th De Colores Art Show, an annual group art exhibit showcasing Latino art and culture, will premiere at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Sunday, Oct. 27 with an opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m.,…

Bilingual commentary: Cultural Jews … But Cultural Catholics?

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 Articles…

UCSB Early Academic Outreach to hold ‘Higher Education Week’ starting Oct. 8

SANTA BARBARA — The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara will hold its fall Higher Education Week, a four-day series of events beginning Oct. 8, the university reported in a media release. Representatives from universities, colleges and…

Guest commentary: Role Models — They could have been contenders

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 Last…

CLU to present ‘Un cuento chino (Chinese Take-away)’ on Oct. 9

THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University will present “Un cuento chino (Chinese Take-away)” as part of its International Film Festival/Reel Justice Film Series at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Muvico Thousand Oaks 14, 166 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. “Chinese…

Susan Zamudio-Gurrola to speak on Ventura County farmworker housing on Oct. 10 in Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA — Susan Zamudio-Gurrola will speak about the twentieth century history of Ventura County farmworker housing at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula. The speaker, who…

L.A. author, professor to speak on popular music along U.S.-Mexico border on Oct. 13 in Ventura

VENTURA — L.A. author, academic, and music critic, Josh Kun will present the program “Across Cultural Divides” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura, in the Museum’s Martin V. and Martha K.…

United Way’s ‘Day of Caring’ volunteers clean up La Colonia Boxing Gym

Photos by Jess Gutierrez ©2013 New boxing ring, landscaping part of agency’s countywide effort By Jess Gutierrez / Amigos805 contributor More than 40 volunteers from throughout Ventura County painted, landscaped, cleaned and installed a new boxing ring at La Colonia Boxing Gym in…

Guest commentary: The illusion that education is the stairway to whiteness. Waiting for the next Sputnik moment

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 From…

‘Mixtec Indigenous Leaders’ panel talk set for Oct. 2 at Oxnard College

OXNARD — Maricela Morales, Jessica Arciniega, Arcenio Lopez and Israel Vazquez will speak at the panel presentation ‘Mixtec Indigenous Leaders: Models for Mobilizing and Empowering’ from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000…

Flamenco Arts Festival 2013 to be held Sept. 28-29

SANTA BARBARA — The “Flamenco Arts Festival 2013” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Granada Theatre, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara, with dance workshops from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 at Santa…

Destino awards $72,000 in grants to prepare local Hispanics for college

CAMARILLO — Destino: The Hispanic Legacy Fund, an initiative of the Ventura County Community Foundation, awarded a total of $72,000 to five nonprofit organizations at the 2013 Destino Grant Awards Reception earlier this month, the organization reported Wednesday. The Destino…

Bilingual commentary: Literature by 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 Once…

Guest commentary: The Problem with American Exceptionalism

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 The…

Ventura County Community College District holding hearing on California Dream Act on Sept. 25

VENTURA — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Legislative Committee invites the public to attend an informational public policy hearing regarding the California Dream Act from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the Black Box Theatre of the…

Bilingual commentary: Love of words

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 “Books…

¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán in free concerts from Sept. 20-22

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! will kick off its ninth fall season of free family entertainment with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán performing at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta, (805-893-5037);…

Guest commentary: Rhetoric of War. Is there such a thing as a Just War?

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 The…

Veronica Xochitl Valadez’ ‘Yo Soy Maíz’ lecture, reception set for Sept. 16 at CSU Channel Islands

CAMARILLO — The lecture and art reception for “Yo Soy Maíz: Danza Azteca & Indigenous Body Art” will be presented at 6 p.m. Monday,  Sept. 16 at CSU Channel Islands in the Grand Salon. Featuring the works of artist Veronica…

‘Javier Gomez Book Signing’ to be held on Sept. 16 in Oxnard

OXNARD — The “Javier Gomez Book Signing: I Was Diagnoosis Retarded,” will be presented at 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 at the Oxnard Public Library, 251 So. A St., Oxnard. His autobiographical book relates how he was branded by the Los…

Destino to award 2013 grantees at ceremony in Camarillo

CAMARILLO — Destino: The Hispanic Legacy Fund, has selected Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, El Centrito Family Learning Centers in Oxnard, El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard, Many Mansions in Thousand Oaks and the Moorpark Unified School District as…

2014 Rebozo Festival announces call for nominations for annual grants

OXNARD — Organization / institutions are encouraged to participate in the “Nomination for Appropriations” 2014 Rebozo Festival Awards, festival organizers reported this week in a media release. The awards are presented annually by Rebozo Festival Inc. of Ventura County, CA. The…

CSU Channel Islands Student wins online scholarship photo contest

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) student Jeannette Herrera used her smartphone, artistic skills and a persuasive personal plea to win a national scholarship contest from online textbook-seller TextbookX.com. The 17-year-old psychology major from Santa Clarita Valley is the grand-prize…

Bilingual commentary: On strike for more pay

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 On…

Donna Granata to talk about ‘The Migrant Project’ exhibit on Sept. 12 in Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA — The forty black-and-white photographs included in the exhibition, “The Migrant Project: Contemporary California Farm Workers – Photographs and Text by Rick Nahmias,” will be photographer Donna Granata’s subject at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, when she gives…

Guest commentary: The chickens have come home to roost

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 The…

Bilingual commentary: Poetry and careers

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 In…

Guest commentary: Say it ain’t so, Dianne

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 In…

Passing on culture, traditions to new generation

Please see slideshow below for more images from the event Fiestas Patrias activities encourage youth to learn about their heritage By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While it may look easy putting on a colorful costume and walking up on…

Cultural competency workshops on nutrition to be held Aug. 28 in Ventura, Aug. 29 in Santa Maria

The Network for a Healthy California — Gold Coast Region, will present a free training opportunity focusing the role of culture and its influence on food and nutrition and how these factors are relevant to your program. The workshops will…

Heritage Fund at VCCF grants more than $58,000

Museum of Ventura County exhibit on immigrants, Rancho Camulos among groups receiving funds that will preserve Ventura County history CAMARILLO — Eleven nonprofits committed to keeping alive the history and culture of Ventura County received a total of $58,883 at…

Bilingual commentary: The Importance of becoming a webmaster

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 Many…

Guest commentary: Chicana/o Identity: An unresolved question (The answer is not found in translation)

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 For…

‘The Migrant Project’ reception set for Aug. 25 in Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA — The opening reception for “The Migrant Project: Contemporary California Farm Workers” will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula. The award-winning art, humanities and educational…

Guest commentary: The Affordable Care Act: What is it?

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 Robert Freeman / CenCal Health…

Bilingual commentary: Late-night walks

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 In…

Guest commentary: Ruminating there, but for the grace of God, go I — c/s

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 One…

Lacayo to speak on ‘Senior Advocacy in Ventura County’ at next Longevity Class on Aug. 14

VENTURA — Hank Lacayo, currently serving his fifth term as the state president of the Congress of California Seniors, will talk about “Senior Advocacy in Ventura County” at the next Longevity Class at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 702…

Guest commentary: Love the kids. Hate gangs. Changing culture

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 I…

De Colores Music to hold fundraiser on Aug. 10

SANTA PAULA — De Colores Music will present a musical fundraiser from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Casa Del Mexicano, 218 So. 11 St., Santa Paula. Entertainment will include performances by about 40 students of Xavier “Big…

Bilingual report: Community forum on labor rights to be held Aug. 11 in Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA — Lideres Campesinas’ (Farmworker Women Leaders) Ventura Chapter and Poder Popular from Santa Paula in collaboration with partner agencies that include Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB), the California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA), and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) will host a roundtable…

Tickets still available for MICOP’s ‘Night in Oaxaca’ on Aug. 3

OXNARD — Tickets are still available for the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) annual “Night in Oaxaca — Education is Liberation” program which begins with registration at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way,…

Cover story: Migrant students introduced to college life

CSU Channel Islands hosting its first Migrant Summer Leadership Institute By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Building multidimensional shapes out of plastic tubing and using Mentos and soda to propel race cars. While at first glance the exercises seem like children’s…

Bilingual commentary: The language of flowers

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 In…

Guest commentary: The Inconvenient truth — Erasure of memory

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 Every…

Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara begins July 31

SANTA BARBARA — The 89th annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Santa Barbara will be presented from July 31 through Aug. 4 in downtown Santa Barbara. The event features the opening “La Fiesta Pequeña” at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, musical…

CSU Channel Islands to host Migrant Summer Leadership Institute

More than 100 students and 40 parents from all around California will learn about college in multi-day residential institutes CAMARILLO – CSU Channel Islands will host its first Migrant Summer Leadership Institute (MSLI) for migrant high school students and their parents from Friday,…

Oxnard writers earn fellowship, awards

OXNARD — Two Oxnard writers received fellowships and an award from “A Room Of Her Own,” (AROHO) Foundation. Florencia Ramirez received the Gift of Freedom $5,000 award for her creative non-fiction work. Mona AlvaradoFrazier received the Courage Fellowship Award. These…

Bilingual commentary: Careers and jobs in a technical 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 David Magallanes / Guest contributor Not…