Category: Education

Bilingual commentary: Sunshine: Friend or foe?

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…

Ventura County Community College District hosting welcome reception on July 29 for new Ventura College president

VENTURA — Ventura County Community College District invites the community to attend a welcome reception for Dr. Greg Gillespie, new Ventura College president, on Monday, July 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the District Administrative Center, 255 W. Stanley…

Ventura County Veterans Funds awards first grants

Program to ease transition to civilian life for returning warriors CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Veterans Fund at the Ventura County Community Foundation has awarded its first grants to local nonprofits that serve veterans as they adjust to civilian life,…

Guest commentary: Por eso estamos como estamos

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 A…

Flamenco dance performance to be held July 20 in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — The Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa Barbara will present ‘Romeria de Verano 2013’ from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. Students from the Linda Vega Dance Studio and ¡FLAMENCO! Santa…

Bilingual report: Farmworker Fair to be held on July 21 in Oxnard

OXNARD — The California Employment Development Dept. will present the 6th annual “Farmworker Fair — Feria Campesina” from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21 at the EDD office/West Oxnard Job & Career Center, 635 So. Ventura Road, Oxnard. The…

Guest commentary: Erosion of respect for the law

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 It…

Region provides new Mexican cónsul challenges, opportunities

Large territory, limited funds are some obstacles for Mexican national community By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 As the crow/seagull flies, it’s almost 200 miles between Point Mugu and Paso Robles. That is almost as far (215 miles) as from…

Commentary: Spain pilgrimage draws seekers

By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Discovery is what I love most about traveling. When I have a tentative agenda, I have time to stumble upon new places. Once on foreign soil, I seek out events or…

UCSB Early Academic Outreach Program holds College Readiness Academies in region July 3-5

SANTA BARBARA —  For the third year in a row, UC Santa Barbara’s Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) will sponsor a series of College Readiness Academies for incoming high school seniors, the university reported in a media release. The intensive college…

Huckleberry Finn figures prominently in new book by UCSB expert in immigration law, policy

SANTA BARBARA — This is the overarching question that frames John S.W. Park’s new book, “Illegal Migrations and the Huckleberry Finn Problem” (Temple University Press, 2013), and it’s a question that has confronted many American citizens time and again throughout…

Bilingual report: Mexican Consulate to hold book donation ceremony on June 27

OXNARD — The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will hold its annual book donation ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 27 at Juan Lagunas Soria Elementary School, 3101 Dunkirk Drive, Oxnard. More than 40 educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, community centers, churches, clubs…

Guest commentary: Summer Reading-Latino Lit Lista

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 The…

Deadline is June 20 to register for ‘Young Writers Camp” in Ventura, Santa Barbara counties

The deadline to register is June. 20 for South Coast Writing Project presents “The 2013 Young Writers Camp”  July 15-26 at UC Santa Barbara and California Lutheran University, July 15 through Aug. 1 at Oxnard and Ventura colleges. The students, third…

Ventura County internship program gives students head start for career in public works

VENTURA — In an effort to introduce students to the different facets of public works and nurture interest in civil engineering, Ventura County offers a student internship program with the ultimate goal of students transitioning into professional public works careers.…

Guest commentary: A father’s wail — Why do you kill my son?

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 Two of…

Bilingual report: Registration open for ‘Creative Writing in Spanish’ class in Santa Maria starting June 18

SANTA MARIA — A new “Creative Writing in Spanish” class will be offered from June 18 through July 9 through Allan Hancock College Community Education in Santa Maria. In the class, students create and share their own writing with other students in English…

Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates 80 SET graduates

Next Santa Barbara orientations for its Self-Employment Training (SET) program to be held June 13, 25 SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures recently held a graduation ceremony at the Montecito Country Club in honor of 80 new local entrepreneurs (40 from Santa Barbara County)…

Immigration reform talk to be held June 12 in Newbury Park

NEWBURY PARK — Maricela Morales, deputy executive director of the Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), former mayor of Port Hueneme and daughter of immigrant parents, will speak about he current U.S. House and Senate immigration bills and…

UC Santa Barbara to present ‘Latina Mother / Adolescent Daughter Communications’ program on June 10

SANTA BARBARA — The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UC Santa Barbara will present a free “Latina Mother / Adolescent Daughter Communications” lecture by Dr. Laura Romo from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, June 10 at Faulkner Gallery, Santa…

Women’s Economic Ventures to present small business workshop in Spanish on June 6

SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures, in collaboration with the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara, will present a workshop in Spanish providing training on the most important aspects of starting and running a successful small business from 6 to 8:30…

Guest commentary: Chingaderas — It’s the system stupid

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…

CEDC, VCCDC to host ‘Community Resource Fair’ on June 1

CEDC event celebrating Homeownership Month will feature home-buyer education workshops, and foreclosure prevention workshops VENTURA — Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. (CEDC) and Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Center will host its annual NeighborWorks® Week event on Saturday,…

Commentary: California LULAC says No to AB 955 Pay-to-Play Community College funding scheme

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 M. Elena Cruz / Guest…

Bilingual commentary: The nature of work

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: How history is socially controlled in K-12

Setting Standards — Serfs and Lords 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.…

LULAC says Williams misrepresented vote on AB955. Williams counters still time for discussion

VENTURA COUNTY — The League of United Latin American Citizens says Assemblyman Das Williams deliberately misled the organization in discussions on Assembly Bill 955, the organization reported in a media release on Wednesday. Williams released a statement Friday disagreeing with…

El Concilio to present free legal fair on June 1

OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services will present a free legal fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at 301 So. C St., Oxnard. Free legal consultation will be available for: Financial plannning Personal injury Immigration Restraining…

Guest commentary: Don’t mess with Meskins

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…

Destino invites proposals for $72,000 in grants

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation’s Destino: The Latino Legacy Fund is accepting proposals for grants to fund programs that expand opportunities for Latino high school students to succeed through college preparedness. The grants will provide support for programs…

CSU Channel Islands students head to Cuba for rare travel course experience

CAMARILLO — Twenty students will venture to Cuba this month for a rare travel experience offered as a CSU Channel Islands (CI) course, university officials reported Wednesday in a media release.  The nine-day trip gives students studying Spanish and Chicana/o Studies the…

Bilingual commentary: Bullies in the Workplace

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 I…

Santa Paula Elementary School District trustees urged to restore services that benefit migrant students

Update: Santa Paula school board tells superintendent to ‘dig deeper’ to restore cuts to bilingual and migrant education Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/may/15/santa-paula-school-board-tells-superintendent-dig/#ixzz2TTVxYm3P – vcstar.com SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Elementary School District community will have a large presence at the Santa Paula Elementary…

Guest commentary: When you’re stupid, you’re stupid

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 My…

Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘A Painted Journal from Latin America’ art class on May 18

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present ‘Adult Art Studio Class — A Painted Journal from Latin America’ from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, the museum reported in a media release. The “Myth and…

Artist Favianna Rodriguez donates personal papers to the UCSB Library

SANTA BARBARA— Favianna Rodriguez, the Oakland-based activist artist best known for bold posters and digital art that explore issues of social justice, has donated her personal archive to the UC Santa Barbara Library. The Favianna Rodriguez Papers are now housed…

El Concilio profile: Amelia Sugden

Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2013 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The event is…

CAUSE, Future Leaders of America among groups receiving McCune Foundation grants

VENTURA — The Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) and Future Leaders of America are among community organizing and social justice initiatives in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties receiving a total of $345,000 in grants from McCune Foundation, the…

One Step a la Vez, Future Leaders of America, Park Oaks Outreach Program to benefit from 2013 Rebozo Festival on May 19

CAMARILLO — The One Step a la Vez Program, Future Leaders of America and Park Oaks Outreach Program will be the beneficiaries this year when the 2013 Rebozo Festival celebrates its 9th year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19  on the grounds…

Guest commentary: Since when is losing winning?

Playing-Follow-the-Leader 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…

CSU Channel Islands report classes reopen

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands was scheduled to reopen Sunday, May 5 at 5 p.m., with immediate access to the Library, dining services and student housing. Classes and activities will begin on Monday, May 6, university officials reported in a media…

OHS’s PTSA to present Car Show fundraiser on May 11

OXNARD — The Oxnard High School PTSA will hosts its inaugural Yellow Jacket “Stingers” outdoor classic car and motorcycle show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 11 at OHS, 3400 W.Gonzales Road, Oxnard. Registration and car entry set-up…

El Concilio profile: Miguel Angel Rodriguez

Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2013 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The event is…

Cover story: CSU Chancellor White says diversity benefits all

CSU Channel Islands has bright future as Hispanic-serving institution, he says By Cesar Arredondo / Amigos805 The new head of the California State University system sees a bright future for CSU Channel Islands. Chancellor Timothy White, who was born in…

KCLU’s Lance Orozco wins national journalism award

Society of Professional Journalists to honor reporter INDIANAPOLIS —  The Society of Professional Journalists is awarding a 2012 Sigma Delta Chi Award for excellence in journalism to KCLU News Director Lance Orozco for his story chronicling his battle with kidney cancer.…

Guest Commentary: We ain’t going back

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 Mexican…

MEChA de CI to present ¡Cinco de Mayo! celebration on May 2

CAMARILLO — MEChA de CI will present ¡Cinco de Mayo! celebration from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at Malibu Hall 100, CSU Channel Islands. Featuring La Más Picosa Banda Chile Verde, Danza Azteca & Folklórico de CI. Sponsored…

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast to host ‘Descubre Tu Comunidad’ event on May 4

OXNARD — The Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast is hosting “Descubre Tu Comunidad” (Discover Your Community) event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat, May 4 at Oxnard Plaza Park between C and Fifth streets in downtown Oxnard. Girl…

El Concilio profile: Amanda Quintero

Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2013 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click here or call 805-486-9777…

Commentary: Arizona Copycats — Mexicans in the Photo

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 By…

MICOP to present ‘Indigenous Knowledge Conference’ on April 26 at Oxnard College

OXNARD—  The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) will present an “Indigenous Knowledge Conference: An Encounter for Providers and Professionals” from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 at Oxnard College, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The conference will provide…

Bilingual report: Civil Rights Conference to be held on April 27 at Oxnard College

Justice for Our Communities! Families Organizing to Resist Police Brutality and Abuse, organizers report OXNARD — Dozens of community organizations and several families that have lost their loved ones to extra-judicial killings by police are set to meet at “Justice for Our Communities! Families…

MICOP seeks volunteers for Mixteco community’s annual Día de los Niños event on April 27 in Oxnard

OXNARD — Volunteers are needed to support Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community annual Día de los Niños meeting on Saturday, April 27 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 S. Gisler St., Oxnard and Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenny St., Oxnard. “We will…

National Latino Peace Officers Association to hold 10th annual scholarship banquet on April 27

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association will present its 10th Annual Scholarship Banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. Lawrence Vasquez, USN Commanding Officer…

El Concilio profile: Haida Jimenez

Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2013 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click here or call 805-486-9777…

Commentary: Odds and ends

A hero in Boston, diversity on cable news networks, death of a Chicano activist and support for a new Latino-focused movie By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 With the week rapidly drawing to a close, this seems like a good…

El Concilio Family Services announces Latino Leadership Award winners

Organization will celebrate winners at gala on June 7 in Oxnard OXNARD — An educational development counselor, a project director for a student access and success program, a community organizer and mentor for youth and an intermediate school principal will…

Commentary: The Immigration Paradigm — The Shell Game

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…

Bilingual report: Oxnard College to present information on Fall semester 2013 of ESL classes on April 17

OXNARD — Oxnard College will present information on the Fall Semester 2013 of its English as a Second Language classes from 5:30 to 8 p.m.Wednesday, April 17 in Room LA-17. Faculty and students will be available to answer questions on…

CSU Channel Islands’ El Club de Español to present annual ‘Noche de Fiesta’ on April 17

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands’ El Club de Español will present its annual ‘Noche de Fiesta’ from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at Malibu Hall 100. Colombia is the theme for this year’s event, which will feature Vilma Dias…

Commentary: Honoring family, education and community

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 /…

Local teens raise funds, awareness for children needing heart surgeries in El Salvador

CONEJO VALLEY — Generous donations have been collected from many sectors of the local community over the years, helping children in El Salvador receive life saving heart surgeries, Gift of Life Los Angeles, a not for profit association, reported in a…

Prom Dress Project to hold fitting events in Fillmore, Oxnard

Free prom dress distribution (April 12 in Fillmore, April 18 in Oxnard ) helps underprivileged girls in Ventura County VENTURA COUNTY – “Prom Dress Project” is at it again, and this time, with the help of other community partners, will…

Oxnard to present ‘Earth Day 2013’ at Plaza Park on April 6

The City of Oxnard will present “Earth Day 2013” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard. The event, free, features live music, community displays, children’s activities and food. Click here for more…

Commentary: Environmental issues affect all of us

By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Back in the day when I was the environmental reporter for the old Star-Free Press, I received a binder (not filled with women!!!) loaded with pages of nonrecycled paper from an automobile manufacturer touting…

Consulado busca ‘Padrinos-Madrinas’ para estudiantes de Puebla, Mexico

OXNARD — Alumnos de la Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, México, visitan la ciudad de Oxnard para hacer prácticas profesionales del 05 al 12 de abril de 2013. Se buscan “Padrinos-madrinas” y se pide el siguiente apoyo: Ofrecerles hospedaje y comida…

‘Citrus Blossom Century’ ride on April 6 to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY— Citrus Blossom Century and Metric Century Ride offers cycling enthusiasts and fans the opportunity to ride one of California’s prime agricultural regions while supporting youth mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventuyra County. Smell the fragrant…

¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Los Texmaniacs in classes, free performances April 4-7

Grammy-winners Los Texmaniacs will perform in a series of free concerts April 5 through 7 in the Santa Barbara region. Presented by ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara!, Los Texmaniacs, a quartet founded in 1997, is rooted in conjunto, the…

Commentary: Immigration — The death of the Chicana/o left

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…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake raises $60,000

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ fundraiser connects caring community with Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring programs VENTURA COUNTY – Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature fundraiser nationwide, recently raised more than $60,000 for the youth mentoring programs…

Oxnard College MEChA to hold blood drive on March 28

OXNARD — The Oxnard College MEChA Club is holding a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 28, organizers reported in a media release. “Come join use for The National César E. Chavez” blood drive challenge as we…

MICOP seeks volunteers for monthly Mixteco community meetings on March 30

Volunteers are needed support the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting in Oxnard on Saturday, March 30 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St. “We will be packing the food for the meeting that same day at 2 p.m. We would love…

Bilingual report: CSU Channel Islands’ week long César E. Chávez Celebration continues through March 30

  CAMARILLO— CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the public to join in a weeklong celebration honoring the late labor leader and civil rights activist César Chávez.  A series of events are planned on the CI campus and at Café on A in Oxnard throughout…

Reporte sobre Consulado Móvil y Jornada Dominical marzo 2013

SANTA MARIA — El Consulado de México en Oxnard informa a la comunidad en general sobre el calendario de Consulados Móviles y Jornadas Dominicales que se realizarán en los Condados de Ventura, Santa Barbara y San Luis Obispo, California en…

Commentary: Challenge of Education — Part III

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. The original form of the…

César E. Chávez exhibit on March 27 highlights a lifetime of capturing the Latino perspective

Photojournalist Jess Gutierrez joins with artist Xico González to present César E. Chávez, UFW exhibit at CSU Channel Islands Amigos805 staff report If there was a big gathering of Latinos, Chicanos, farmworkers, community activists and others in the 805 region, chances…

‘Social Justice in Practice’ forum to be held on March 23

CAMARILLO — The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, CSU Channel Islands, California Lutheran University, U.C. Santa Barbara and the Center for Nonprofit Leadership will present “Social Justice in Practice: Putting It All Together” convening and Workshop from 9 a.m. to…

Commentary: How to support victims of sexual violence

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 /…

Commentary: Challenge of Education — Part II

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. The original form of the…

Commentary: César E. Chávez event on March 24 a time to focus on true immigration reform

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 Denis O’Leary / Guest…

Gang member-turned-professor to give talk at CLU on March 19

THOUSAND OAKS — A gang member-turned-college professor will speak at California Lutheran University on Tuesday, March 19, the university reported in a media release. Victor Rios, an associate professor of sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, will discuss…

Casa Dolores in Santa Barbara to hold gallery tour of ‘Buen Provecho! Dining in Mexico’ on March 16

SANTA BARBARA — Casa Dolores — Center for the Study of Popular Arts of Mexico, will hold a gallery tour of its “Buen Provecho! Dining in Mexico” at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at 1023 Bath St., Santa Barbara. Don’t miss…

Commentary: Challenge of Education — 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. The original form of the…

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County to present ‘Interpreting for Social Justice’ March 15-17

VENTURA — The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County will present ‘Interpreting for Social Justice’ March 15-17 in Ventura. The program will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 15; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March…

Venturans to go bald, raise funds for childhood cancer research

More volunteers, sponsors needed for March 17 event VENTURA — A group of at least 30 Ventura residents will gather together at Ventura’s Sacred Heart church on Sunday, March 17 to shave their heads and show their support for children afflicted with childhood…

Bilingual commentary: Mexican novelas and mythology

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…

Time to gather your information before April 15 tax day

Free preparation service available for low-, moderate-income earners By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The hours are ticking away until midnight Monday, April 15. So where are you in the preparation of your 2012 tax return? Yes, some overly ambitious souls…

Black-Brown politics subject of March 4 talk at UCSB

“Spaces of Conflict, Sounds of Solidarity: Black-Brown Politics and Resistance in Los Angeles,” featuring speaker Gaye Theresa Johnson, will be presented at 6 p.m. Monday, March 4 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, Lecture/MCC Lounge. The program details interracial anti-racist alliances, divisions…

Guzman honored as BGCOP’s ‘2013 Youth of the Year’

OXNARD  — Singled out among several outstanding local youth, Paloma Guzman was recently named “2013 Youth of the Year” by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, the organization reported this week in a media release.…

‘Inside Latin American Art from an Outsider’ reception to be held Feb. 26 in Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA — A reception for “Inside Latin American Art from an Outsider” by Denis O’Leary will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 at Ventura College Santa Paula, 957 Faulkner Road, No. 106, Santa Paula. The event…

CLU to present ‘Immigration Community Forum’ on Feb. 28

THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University professors Molly George (sociology/criminal justice) and Akiko Yasuike (sociology/global studies) will moderate a panel discussion focusing on two equally important aspects of undocumented immigration today: Undocumented college students who primarily grew up in the…

Commentary: Lessons from ‘My Beloved World,’ by Sonia Sotomayor

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 The…

Santa Paula ‘Student Portrait Projects’ join Santa Paula Portrait Project opening on Feb. 23

SANTA PAULA — In conjunction with the “Santa Paula Portrait Project,” the Santa Paula Art Museum has invited elementary and high school students to try their hand at a number of art projects in portraiture, the museum reported in a media…

Bilingual commentary: The end of textbooks?

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…

MICOP seeks volunteers for monthly Mixteco community meetings on Feb. 23

Volunteers are needed support the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting in Oxnard on  Saturday, Feb. 23 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St. and Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenny St.. “We will be packing the food for the…

Bilingual report: Lideres Campesinas, Poder Popular de Santa Paula to present ‘One Billion Rising’ program on Feb. 14

Local groups join global campaign to stop violence against women, girls SANTA PAULA — Lideres Campesinas and Poder Popular de Santa Paula will join with activists around the world for ONE BILLION RISING, the largest day of action in the…

Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula to present ‘Music @ the Mill: Boleros Románticos’

Music @ the Mill: Noche de Boleros will be presented from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula. Start your Valentine’s Day celebration early with classic Bolero ballads, the…

Author Amada Irma Perez to talk about romantic writing on Feb. 10

Ventura author offers new opportunities to display your love By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Finding just the right words to express your emotions can be a challenging proposition. For Ventura author Amada Irma Perez, the written word provides a wealth…

CSU Channel Islands’ Tania Garcia honored for volunteer education work

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands Director of Development, Alumni Relations Tania Garcia recently was named “Volunteer of the Year” by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, the university reported in a media release. Garcia, a nine-year employee of CI who has…

Commentary: Do you want to have a heart attack?

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 Do…

Bilingual commentary: Valentine’s Day or Geoffrey Chaucer Day?

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 Valentine’s…

Mariachi Sol de México de Jose Hernandez to perform in free concerts Feb. 8-10 in Santa Barbara region

Mariachi Sol de México de Jose Hernandez will perform in a series of free family concerts and school outreach programs Feb. 8 through 10 in the Santa Barbara region, ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! reported in a media release.…

CMHS HealthAware will recognize ‘National Wear Red Day’ with health screening on Feb. 1

VENTURA — Community Memorial Health System HealthAware, with the American Heart Association, will recognize the 10th anniversary of “National Wear Red Day,”  with a free health screening from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 1 at the CMH hospital lobby, 147 N. Brent…

S.B. Brazilian ‘Carnaval Cultural’ begins with performance by Ney Rios on Feb. 2

SANTA BARBARA — “Carnaval Bowl” will kick off the 10th annual Santa Barbara Brazilian “Carnaval Cultural” at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at the So-Ho Music Club, 1121 State St., No. 205, Santa Barbara, organizers reported in a media release. The…

SCE to present $5,000 grant to Casa De Vida in Oxnard

OXNARD — Casa De Vida (Residential Alcohol and Drug Recovery Program for men) will be awarded a $5,000 grant by Southern California Edison on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 531 W. Bard Road, Oxnard, the organization reported on Thursday. The funds from this…

MICOP seeks volunteers for monthly Mixteco community meeting on Jan. 26

Volunteers are needed support the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting on  Saturday, Jan. 26 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard. “We will be trying something new (and old, if you remember back a few years ago) this…

Bilingual commentary: The luckiest generation

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…

Deadline approaching for El Concilio’s annual Latino Leadership Awards nominations

Nominations will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 for El Concilio Family Services 24th annual Latino Leadership Awards, the Oxnard-based organization reported this weekend. El Concilio has expanded the criteria beyond education for the annual awards to be presented June 7,…

Commentary: National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

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 During…

Bilingual report: Agriculture, De Colores Art Show talks to be held Jan. 10 in Santa Paula

The Santa Paula Art Museum and the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula will co-present the “Second Thursday Gallery Talks” program on Thursday, Jan. 10. John Nichols, photographer and creator of the annual Art About Agriculture exhibit,…

Bilingual report: ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Ballet Hispanico classes / performance Jan. 10-13

Franchesca Marisol Cabrera, a former Spirit of Fiesta, returns to Santa Barbara as education coordinator with Ballet Hispanico when the group appears in the region Jan. 11 through 13. ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! will present New York-based Ballet…

Bilingual commentary: Polytheism

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…

Bilingual commentary: Baby steps

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor When I was younger (and more foolish), night would come and once again I would question why I dared to think that I could do it all.  Like the superwoman who believes that she can…

First ‘Longevity’ meeting of year set for Jan. 2

VENTURA — A free meeting at which anyone can learn about longevity with good health will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 702 County Square Drive, Ventura, organizers reported in a media release. This meeting has…