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…
Category: Education
Capps announces implementation of “Pay as You Earn” program to make student loan repayment easier for young people
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) on Dec. 21 announced the implementation of the Obama Administration’s “Pay as You Earn” program. The Administration’s “Pay as You Earn” proposal will reduce monthly loan payments by capping them at 10 percent of…
Commentary: Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary: It’s not only about gun control
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 After…
Bilingual commentary: Higher education for Latinos
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…
Students participate in STEM Conference at UCSB
SANTA BARBARA — Women leaders in science, engineering and education shared their expertise and time with more than 200 girls in grades 6-12, parents, teachers and counselors at the recent 2012 Upper Hand to College STEM Conference, held at UCSB, organizers…
Hospice of Santa Barbara offers advice for parents, teachers after elementary school shooting tragedy
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara is providing information for those in our community who have questions and concerns related to the recent shooting tragedy that killed 20 children and 7 adults in an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, the organization reported in…
Bilingual report: El Centrito, MICOP to present ‘Piñata Making Workshop’ on Dec. 14
OXNARD — El Centrito Family Learning Centers, in partnership with Mixteco/Indigina Community Organizing Project (MICOP), will host the fifth annual “Piñata Making Workshop” from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday Dec. 14 at El Centrito’s main campus, 450 So. K St. (The…
El Concilio Family Services expands criteria for Latino Leadership Awards nominations
El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard has announced that it has expanded the criteria beyond education for nominations for the 24th annual Latino Leadership Awardes, to be presented June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Oxnard. The…
Bilingual commentary: Pearl Harbor
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor A few days ago we commemorated the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. For the ancient Hawaiians, the place was called Wai Nomi; that is, Pearl Water. It must have been a…
MICOP seeks volunteers for ‘Fiesta Navideña 2012’ on Dec. 15
Volunteers are needed support the annual Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project’s “Fiesta Navideña 2012,” which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15 in El Rio and Oxnard. “There are still volunteer opportunities for this Saturday’s Fiestas in Oxnard and El Rio…
La Hermandad, MICOP, One Step A La Vez among local groups benefiting from McCune Foundation grant
Deadline for next grant program is Jan. 14, 2013 The McCune Foundation has awarded more than $360,000 for community organizing and social justice initiatives in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Sixteen groups received grants in November to organize residents in…
Public Utilities President Mike Peevey to speak at CI’s Lacayo Institute on Dec. 10
CAMARILLO – The Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies at CSU Channel Islands (CI) will host its first Lacayo Forum on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, featuring Michael R. Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Lacayo…
Bilingual report: ‘Always Running..’ author Luis Rodriguez to speak Dec. 5 at Oxnard College
Author and poet Luis Rodriguez, best known for his 1993 memoir, “Always Running — La Vida Loca Gang Days in L.A.,” will be the guest speaker during Oxnard College’s “One Book One Campus” presentation from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday,…
‘Lights, Camera, Education!’ panel to be held at Oxnard College on Dec. 5
OXNARD — Please join us for the First Annual Ventura County Community College District Entertainment Panel from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Oxnard College Performing Arts building, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard, the Ventura County Community College…
Bilingual report: Ventura College, Ventura College Santa Paula offer English language improvement classes
Ventura College offers a variety of options for those who wish to improve their English language skills, the Ventura County Community College District reported in a media release. The new English for Multilingual students (EngM) are for students who do not…
Ventura College Santa Paula open for registration
The Ventura College Santa Paula site is now open for registration, offering a semester of classes and resources available to the community, the Ventura County Community College District reported in a media release. Classes begin January 14, 2013. Visit the…
Bilingual commentary: Commentary: Never too early to start your scholarship effort for 2013
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Years ago, I made the ultimate goof in the usual couple relationship. She had come into the room, probably while I was watching NFL football, and said something probably coherent. I then muttered the…
Bilingual commentary: Human Touch — Judgment, then understanding
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Huff, huff, puff, puff … inhale, exhale. It was another evening of routine discipline as I plowed my body around the running track at the local park. The landscape was predictable in this neighborhood: the…
Bilingual commentary: Taos Pueblo: A unique Christmas celebration
By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Freezing air from snow-capped mountains pinches your nose as you walk toward Taos Pueblo on Christmas Eve. Moving into the crowd gathered around the adobe chapel, you hear people speaking hushed Spanish,…
CLU gets $1.6 million Upward Bond grant
THOUSAND OAKS — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded California Lutheran University a $1.6 million grant to continue and expand its TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science Center over the next five years, the university reported Thursday in a…
Letter to the Editor: A Potential Antidote to Gang Violence: Membership in a Boys & Girls Club
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. To the editor: Congratulations…
Bilingual commentary: The Guardians
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…
Commentary: When grief is home for the holidays
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 /…
CSU Channel Islands art students win awards at statewide CSU Media Arts Festival
CAMARILLO — Two CSU Channel Islands (CI) art students earned top honors for their websites at the 2012 CSU Media Arts Festival this month, the university reported in a media release. Senior Arturo Cortez won first place and senior Stephen…
Bilingual report: Oxnard officially launches Spanish broadcast of city council meetings
OXNARD — In an effort to reach Spanish speaking residents, provide easier access to information about city government, and create an inclusive decision making process for all residents of Oxnard, the City of Oxnard will officially begin broadcasting city council…
El Centrito co-founder receives prestigious grant from The California Wellness Foundation
OXNARD — Since the economic recession struck, nonprofit agencies throughout the country have struggled to stay afloat and sustain services at sufficient levels to meet the increasing demand. El Centrito Family Learning Centers, an Oxnard nonprofit that provides bilingual education services…
Time running out to submit holiday events for our December print edition
Due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend, we will be moving up our deadline to include all your upcoming holiday and other calendar events in our Dec. 1 print edition of Amigos805. Please submit all your events, news, photos as…
MICOP seeks volunteers for monthly Mixteco community meeting on Nov. 17
Volunteers are needed support the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard. “We have a lot planned for this meeting, including giving out flu shots which…
Guest commentary: Local Vulture Magic
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 Elizabeth Alvarez /…
$1.2 million in scholarships available through Ventura County Community Foundation
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation is accepting applications from Ventura County students for more than $1.2 million in scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year, the Camarillo-based organization reported on Tuesday. Applying for a scholarship at VCCF is a…
Guest commentary: The Latino Problem
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 Armando Vazquez / LULAC…
Visit our new slideshow of recent Ventura, Oxnard College events
Amigos805 has launched a new blog site that will feature slideshows and videos of recent events. Visit our site at www.amigos805.wordpress.com Our latest sideshows featuring the opening of two Latino-theme exhibits at Ventura College and Halloween-related activities at Oxnard College. Upcomimg…
Oxnard College to present ‘La Flauta Latina’ performance on Nov. 7
The Oxnard College Literature, Arts and Lecture Series will present “La Flauta Latina: A Flutists Musical Journey” from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Thousand Oaks Philharmonic Flutist Niccole Modell will perform…
Bilingual commentary: Queen Melisende of Jerusalem
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 David Magallanes / Guest…
Check out the November print edition of Amigos805
Politics, upcoming cultural events, tips on travel, food and personal finance — you can find all these in the latest print edition of Amigos805. Distributed throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, the 10,000-copy November print edition can be found…
Bilingual report: Control of the presidency, Congress will impact Latino community
DREAM Act, comprehensive immigration reform, education and jobs among top issues By Frank X. Moraga /Amigos805 Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. A day to look forward to. Silenced will be the annoying “I approve this message” campaign advertisements on television, the…
Bilingual commentary: The art of words, images comes to the community
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The 805 region is blessed with a number of talented Latinos/Latinas who fulfill our cultural needs through their music, artwork and their words. One such individual is Melinda Palacio of Santa Barbara, who has…
Bilingual report: Ventura College art galleries presenting Latino art exhibits throughout November
“Autonomy and Cultural Identity: 20th Century Art of Latin America” will be presented Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 at the Ventura College Media Art Gallery. Curated by Ann Bittl, the exhibit explores the art of Latin America and Mexico during…
Café on A to celebrate Día de Los Muertos on Nov. 2
The Café on A will hold a Día de los Muertos celebration: “Community, Cultura y Conciencia,” starting at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 at 438 So. A St., downtown Oxnard. Presented by Union del Barrio and Café on A, the…
Bilingual report: Museum of Ventura County to hold series of Día de los Muertos events from Nov. 2-4
“Night of the Living, Day of the Dead!” will be presented from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. Join the museum’s Las Contemporaneas Committee as they host an…
Bilingual report: Inlakech Cultural Arts Center to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Camarillo on Nov. 3
Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory, along with the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, will present the annual “Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)” celebration featuring “Comida, Altars, Prayer, Laughter and Tears,” from 10 a.m. to 6…
Bilingual commentary: “Gucci” camping on the Inca Trail
By Stacey Wittig / “Vagabonding Chica” Travel Writer The remote ruins of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru, can be reached by train. However, the hardy – may I add fool-hardy? – prefer the road less traveled, the…
Rosary for Max Mora of Ventura will be held Nov. 1
Longtime Ventura resident Max Mora (Candelario Maximo Mora) 85, died on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 at home, reports Moses Mora, community organizer of the Tortilla Flats historical program in Ventura. Max was born on Feb. 2,1927 in Colmor, New Mexico…
Bilingual commentary: Returning home, starting over
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor Many years ago, I tried to return home. I was going about separating from my wife, I was flat broke, and I felt that my life was going downhill—in flames. So I tried returning home — the…
UCSB discussion on Mexican literature on Nov. 1 will highlight works by Elena Poniatowska, Carlos Fuentes
SANTA BARBARA — Elena Poniatowska, the Mexican feminist writer, journalist, and author, will deliver the keynote address when scholars from across the United States and Mexico gather at UC Santa Barbara for the 15th annual colloquium on Mexican literature, the…
Oxnard mayoral debate to be held on bilingual radio on Oct. 31
Candidates will appear on “The David Cruz Show” on KOXR 910AM OXNARD – The four candidates for mayor of Oxnard will appear in an historic, bilingual radio debate from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31 on “The David Cruz Show” on…
Huerta to speak at Latino Issues Forum rally on Oct. 27 in Oxnard
OXNARD — National civil rights activist, labor leader, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Dolores Huerta will speak at the Latino Issues Forum (LIF) “su voto primero” (Your Vote First) rally at Plaza Park in Oxnard at 10:30 a.m. Saturday…
Latino Issues Forum to hold voter rally on Oct. 27 in Oxnard
OXNARD — The Latino Issues Forum (LIF), a coalition of Ventura County community based organizations serving the Latino community has organized a second key event in an effort to maximize voter turnout for the Nov. 6 general election, the group…
Bilingual commentary: The Fine Arts
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor I have just had the privilege of attending the 25th Anniversary of the Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard. There is something special about being amongst people who are interested in, dedicated to, intrigued by and simply…
Bilingual report: Mexican Consulate produces Día de los Muertos calendar
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has produced a Día de los Muertos calendar, which includes activities and events through Nov. 3 in Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. Click here or on the image above for the calendar. Click here for…
Opening reception for De Colores Art Show set for Oct. 27
SANTA PAULA — The opening reception for the 19th annual De Colores Art Show will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 No. 10th St., Santa Paula. The reception is…
MICOP seeks volunteers for monthly Mixteco community meeting on Oct. 27
Volunteers are needed support the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenny St., Oxnard and from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at Harrington Elementary…
Santa Maria to celebrate Día de los Muertos from Oct. 28 through Nov. 4
SANTA MARIA — MASCARA, the Mexican-American Scholarship Cultural and Recreation Association, will present an altar its 18th annual Día de los Muertos celebration from Oct. 28 through Nov. 4 at the Santa Maria Town Center Mall, 142 Town Center East,…
Oxnard-Ocotlán Sister City Committee to hold fundraiser on Oct. 29 in Oxnard
The Oxnard-Ocotlán Sister City Committee to hold fundraiser from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 at Cabo Seafood Grill & Bar, 1041 So. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard. Choice of chile relleno or carnets tacos (2). Includes rice, beans, soft drink, chips…
Students lead effort to hold ‘Town Hall: Investing in Education’ on Oct. 23
OXNARD — A town hall to support Prop. 30 will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the South Oxnard Community Center, 200 E. Bard Road, Oxnard. Presented by Future Leaders of America, the event supports…
CLU’s José Marichal to speak on ‘Does Facebook Make us Better Citizens?’ on Oct. 24
José Marichal, CLU associate professor of political science, will speak on: ‘Does Facebook Make us Better Citizens?’ during the next Center for Equality and Justice Lecture Series discussion at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24 at California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Drive, Thousand…
‘Passion Flamenco Dancing’ to be presented on Oct. 24 at Oxnard College
The 2012 OC Fall Literature & Arts Lecture Series will present “Passion Flamenco Dancing Live on Stage” from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Passion Flamenco Dance…
‘Latino Issues Forum,’ featuring Congressional, State Senate candidates, set for Oct. 20 in Santa Paula
A ‘Latino Issues Forum,’ featuring Congressional and State Senate candidates, will be held from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at First 5 of Santa Paula, 217 10th St., Santa Paula. Presented by SEIU Local 721, the Central Coast…
Deadline approaching for Nov. 1 print edition calendar items, advertisements
The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22 to submit calendar notices, news briefs, community photographs and other items for possible inclusion in the Nov. 1 print edition of Amigos805. The 10,000-copy publication is distributed throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara…
UCSB literary scholar receives PEN Center USA Award for translation
SANTA BARBARA — When Chilean novelist and short story writer José Donoso died in 1996, he left behind a vast collection of papers. Among them was a manuscript begun some 23 years earlier. Discovered by his daughter, Pilar, the manuscript…
Bilingual report: Mexican Consulate in Oxnard seeking Día de los Muertos calendar items
The Consulate of México is currently organizing a community calendar for the “Day of the Dead” activities in the Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties A committee of community leaders will be visiting each site with “Ofrendas” and in recognition…
Commentary: Why pink makes me cringe
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor It’s not Pink, the singer, that stirs up ambivalent feelings in my soul. It’s the color pink linked to October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month. It’s all the pink stuff beyond the commemorative ribbons. It’s pink deodorant…
Taller gratis, ‘Aprenda a usar Facebook para negocios’, el 17 de octobre
Taller gratis, ‘Aprenda a usar Facebook para negocios’, el miércoles, 17 de octobre, 2012 a 8 am a 9 am, Casapueblo Restaurant, 310 So. C St., Oxnard. Presentado pro Armando Sahagun, MBA, CIMA Business Solutions y SCORE Counselor. Encuentre y…
Bilingual report: El Centrito Family Learning Centers to host Oxnard School Board candidates forum on Oct. 19
Parent Promoters of Education, a project of El Centrito Family Learning Centers, will host a forum for Oxnard School Board candidates from 5:30-7:30 Friday, Oct. 19 at El Centrito Family Learning Centers, 450 So. K St. Oxnard, Room 108, the…
VC Mexican-American Bar Association to present scholarship dinner on Oct. 19
The Education Foundation of the Ventura County Mexican-American Bar Association will present its annual scholarship dinner beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 600 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. Dinner and the program…
Latino peace officers group to present annual comedy show fundraiser on Oct. 19
The National Latino Peace Officers Association — Ventura County Chapter, will present its 4th annual “Comedy Show Fundraiser” beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at the Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. Featuring comedians Cliff…
Bilingual report: Gold Coast Health Plan to host ‘Community Resource Fair’ on Oct. 21
Gold Coast Health Plan will hold a “Community Resource Fair” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21 at Del Sol Park, 1500 Camino del Sol, Oxnard (corner of Camino Del Sol and Rose Avenue). The fair will include…
Bilingual report: CSU Channel Islands to present ‘The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao’ book reading, signing on Oct. 11
California State University, Channel Islands will present its 8th annual Campus Reading Celebration featuring “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by author Junot Díaz from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Grand Salon. Dominican Republic-born Díaz will…
Billingual report: ‘Ulama: The Game of Life & Death’ film screening to be held Oct. 13 in Ventura
A film screening of “Ulama: The Game of Life & Death” will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. The screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session…
Bilingual report: ‘An Afternoon with Gustavo Arellano’ set for Oct. 14 in Ventura
“An Afternoon with Gustavo Arellano — Author of TACO USA,” will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. Lecture followed by book signing by OC Weekly editor and nationally…
Bilingual commentary: Surrounded by teachers
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor We have a tendency to think of our “teachers” as those who dedicate themselves to teaching us in the classrooms of our schools, in elementary schools as well as at the colleges and universities. We believe…
Big Brothers Big Sisters launches LatinoBigs.org youth mentoring website
Website will help Latino youth facing adversity who are in dire need of positive role models CAMARILLO – In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has launched LatinoBigs.org, the nation’s first bilingual website focused on…
Bilingual report: Buses will depart Oxnard on Oct. 8 to attend César E. Chávez National Monument announcement
Three buses will be departing at 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8 from Oxnard to attend President Barack Obama’s announcement of the César E. Chávez National Monument, the Oxnard office of the United Farm Workers of America reported in a media release.…
Binational Health Week Conference set for Oct. 4
The 12th Binational Health Week Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Designed for health professionals, the conference will feature Dr. Robert Gonzalez, director of…
Bilingual commentary: Our schools — State of emergency
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor The red lights are flashing. The giant waves continue weakening — and soon knocking down — what was, once upon a time, our glory in the Golden State during the years that I was passing through…
Commentary: Rationale for presenting the demographic history of the United States
By Gilbert G. Cuevas / Guest contributor Based on the lifetime work of Nobel prizewinner Edward O. Wilson, who has explored the biological origins of the human condition and concluded that mankind is tribal in nature, our students should have…
Commentary: Upcoming events celebrate Hispanic heritage
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor “Our history defines and strengthens us,” said Alejandro Fernandez, the famous Mexican singer, when narrating the recent four-hour mini-series on the History Channel. It is important to know that the designation for Hispanic Heritage Month is…
Bilingual commentary: A sense of the infinite
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Last Saturday, I decided to take my grandson and his family to see the stars at a party. No, we did not go to some extraordinary event in Hollywood or Beverly Hills, but rather to…
Bilingual report: Moorpark Foundation for the Arts to present Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College on Sept. 28
Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College will perform a benefit fundraiser to support The Moorpark Foundation for the Arts beginning with a champagne reception at 6:30 p.m., with music by Angels on Harps, and the performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday,…
Flamenco Arts Festival to present ‘Cádiz de la Frontera’ on Sept. 29
The Flamenco Arts Festival will present the American premiere of Cádiz de la Frontera at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Lobero Theatre. This unique flamenco production by Andrés Peña and Pilar Ogalla tells the story of their love…
Port of Hueneme to present inaugural ‘Banana Festival’ on Sept. 29
PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme will be ‘going bananas’ during the inaugural “Banana Festival” from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Port of Hueneme, Harbor District, 105 E. Port Hueneme Road, the district reported…
Mexican American baseball panel discussion set for Sept. 30 in Carpinteria
A book signing on Mexican American baseball — “Mexican American Baseball in the Inland Empire” — will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Carpinteria Women’s Club, 1059 Vallecito Road, Carpinteria. A panel discussion on Mexican…
United Way of Santa Barbara recognizes 250 community partners
SANTA BARBARA — The United Way of Santa Barbara County recently recognized 250 community partner representatives for their roles in the success of United Way’s Fun in the Sun program, the organization reported this week in a media release. This…
Bilingual report: ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Entre Mujeres through Sept. 23
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! opens its fall season with a musical conversation, “The Testimonio in Song,” with Entre Mujeres at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 at Casa Dolores, 1023 Bath St., Santa Barbara. The group will then perform…
Guest commentary: Ventura County Latino community loses longtime community advocate
By Frank P. Barajas & Jess Guitierrez / Guest contributors Ventura County lost a person who provided a media voice to the Latino community since the 1960s. He was Javier R. Santana— journalist, civic activist, mentor, and, as one of his…
CSU Channel Islands’ Bracero exhibit finds permanent home in Piru’s Valle Naranjal
CAMARILLO — A powerful exhibit created by CSU Channel Islands (CI) students and faculty that presents the history and legacy of Mexican farmworkers known as “braceros” has found a fitting home. “The Braceros of Ventura County” will go on permanent…
LULAC/KEYS Leadership Academy to begin classes on Sept. 24
LULAC Council No. 3128 working with Oxnard College on dropout prevention program OXNARD – As school-age children returned to schools nationwide, students from the community will get a leg-up this fall through an enhanced high school dropout prevention program, LULAC/KEYS…
United Way of Santa Barbara County celebrates 21st Annual Day of Caring
SANTA BARBARA – More than 1,500 volunteers, including young people from local schools, families, churches, community service groups and workplaces at over 50 sites across the Tri-Counties, participated on Sept. 15 in the United Way of Santa Barbara County’ 21st…
OC Fall Literature & Arts Lecture Series begins Sept. 26
The 2012 OC OC Fall Literature & Arts Lecture Series begins with the presentation “My Deaf Journey,” Wednesday, Sept. 26 at Oxnard College. In celebration of Dead Awareness Week, storyteller Virginia Scott will share her own story about growing up deaf,…
Just Communities in Santa Barbara recognizes THRIVE Westside program
SANTA BARBARA — Just Communities, a Santa Barbara nonprofit, recently recognized THRIVE Westside for sponsoring San Marcos High School students and Westside youth in the CommUnity Leadership Institute (CLI) program. THRIVE Westside is a partnership between Harding University Partnership School, McKinley Elementary…
Casa Pacifica honored with prestigious web marketing award
CAMARILLO — Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families has been honored with the Best Non-Profit Website Award by the Web Marketing Association in its 16th annual WebAward Competition, Casa Pacifica reported this week in a media release. The web…
Santa Barbara Studio Artists hold Open Studio Tour
Santa Barbara Studio Artists shared a moment with Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider and Stephanie Langsdorf, district Representative for County Supervisor Doreen Farr, at the recent opening reception for The 11th Annual Open Studios Tour. The reception was held at…
Bilingual report: Free SBA forum for Spanish speakers
Rennee D. Dehesa, an attorney with Schneiders & Associates LLP, will be the guest speaker at a free business forum for Spanish speakers at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Casapueblo Restuarant, 310 So. C St., Oxnard. Presented by SCORE…
Bilingual commentary: Little white lies: Do they cause harm?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor I enjoy watching Mexican, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and French films. If we watch them focused on their content and message and, even more importantly, if we reflect on them after seeing them, we gain another…
Bilingual report: CAUSE to present Community Building Luncheon on Sept. 21 in Oxnard
The Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy will present its 6th annual CAUSE Community Building Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 21 at the Courtyard Oxnard Marriott, 600 Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. John Chiang, California State controller, will be the keynote speaker…
Visit our Calendar section for the latest information on Hispanic Heritage Month events
Hello, please visit our Calendar section for the latest information on Hispanic Heritage Month events in the 805 region.
Bilingual report: Hispanic Heritage Month events coming to the 805 region
Festivals, parades, musical performances part of annual event By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Mariachi and other musical performances, cultural education programs and a parade — they are all coming to the 805 region as part of the annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration…
Bilingual commentary: Cultural, health, social and political events dominate upcoming calendar
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Between Hispanic Heritage Month activities, an annual cross-border health education program and the end of the 2012 political campaign season (thankfully), residents in the 805 region will have plenty to do during the next…
Mexican Consulate in Oxnard creates calendar of Fiestas Patrias events in 805 region
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has compiled a calendar of Fiestas Patrias events in 805 region.
CSU Channel Islands Alumni & Friends to celebrate Dodger Day
CSU Channel Islands report It all started with a handful of free Dodgers tickets and an enthusiastic graduate. Now all of Ventura County will help celebrate California State University, Channel Islands’ (CI) 10-year anniversary by showing up big at Dodger…
Bilingual commentary: Escaping from the cycle
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor On one recent Sunday, I went to see a film, short but at the same time intriguing, powerful and incisive. It showed an aspect of our society that we might prefer to ignore or about…
‘Contemporary Latin American Artists from Ventura’ opening reception on Sept. 7
The Tool Room Gallery will present Área Intangible, an exhibit that showcases contemporary Latin American artist from Ventura with an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 No. Ventura Ave., Ventura.…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County needs support to receive $250,000 grant from Chase Community Giving
Area residents can make a huge impact by voting on Facebook CAMARILLO – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, a non-profit organization working to provide quality mentoring to children facing adversity is competing with charities nationwide for grants…
Free back-to-school backpacks, supplies given to Santa Barbara-area children
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and United Way of Santa Barbara County have partnered for the second consecutive year to provide backpacks and school supplies to 500 Santa Barbara County students, the organizations reported this week in a…
Last chance to advertise in our Amigos805 special Hispanic Heritage Month print edition
Time is running out to advertise in our Amigos805 special Hispanic Heritage Month print edition. The edition will include an update on all activities and events celebrating this special time of year for the Latino community, including upcoming Fiestas Patrias…
Foundation for SBCC receives $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo for Plaza Comunitaria and Wells Fargo Annual Vocational Scholarship students
SANTA BARBARA — The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College recently received a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo to assist two vocational students through the Wells Fargo Annual Vocational Scholarship and to support the education of Latino emigrants through the…
Bilingual commentary: Why college is still important
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor It makes me laugh when I think about how a cousin, many years ago, expressed his disdain for my other, closer cousins — as well as for me — in a collegially offensive manner:…
‘Social Resurrection: Ceramics by Richard Flores’ opens Sept. 1 at Museum of Ventura County
Ritual Vessels of the Maya Brought Into the Present Day VENTURA — The Maya culture of yesterday enlightens us today in Richard Flores’ exhibition of contemporary ceramic vessels at the Museum of Ventura County. Social Resurrection: Ceramics by Richard Flores…
Bilingual commentary: Is it worth it to go to college?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor In the newspaper from today, Sunday (I continue to be one of those dinosaurs that still reads the newspaper), a political cartoon with a disturbing message by cartoonist Steve Breen caught my eye. I…
Foundation for SBCC receives $5,000 grant from Southern California Edison to support the Guardian Scholars Foster Youth Program
Program assists Santa Barbara’s growing population of foster children SANTA BABARA — The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College recently received a $5,000 grant from Southern California Edison for the Guardian Scholars Foster Youth Program. The comprehensive program supports former…
Cerca de 400 personas en el ‘Foro de Acción Diferida’ en Pacifica High School, Oxnard
OXNARD — El Consulado de México informa a la comunidad en general que con el apoyo de cinco Abogados Consultores de esta oficina consular y un asesor de La Hermandad Hank Lacayo & Family Center, (también Plaza Comunitaria), el jueves…
“Tools for School” initiative provides backpacks and supplies to 300 Santa Barbara area children
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara hosted the “Tools for School” kick-off event on Aug. 18 at the Presidio Springs Community Room. The event served as a resource for Housing Authority residents and the…
Oxnard Boys & Girls Club receives positive feedback of its after school program
OXNARD — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme’s After School Program is a vital effort in bringing schools, community-based organizations, business partners and hundreds of families together to provide academic support and a safe environment for…
UCSB ranks among the nation’s top 25 colleges, universities in degrees awarded to Latinos in STEM fields
SANTA BARBARA — In the third in a series of reports linking college completion with U.S. workforce needs, the nonprofit organization Excelencia in Education has included UC Santa Barbara on its lists of the top 25 colleges and universities in…
MICOP seeks volunteers at Harrington Elementary School in Oxnard on Aug. 24 to fill backpacks
Volunteers are needed at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 to help pack about 500 backpacks with school supplies, to be distributed at the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at Harrington Elementary School,…
Bilingual commentary: My Path to Digital Citizenship
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Just as with obtaining national citizenship, to achieve digital citizenship, an “outsider” — a digital immigrant — like me needs to be willing to accept a long, hard, difficult journey replete with frustrations. A large…
2013 Rebozo Festival Awards applications now available
OXNARD — Organization/institutions are encouraged to participate in the “Nomination for Appropriations” 2013 Rebozo Festival Awards, the organization reported in a media release. The awards are presented annually by Las Madrinas del Rebozo Festival of Ventura County. The next event…
Bilingual report: Deferred Action Information for Dreamers Forum to be held Aug. 23 in Oxnard
The Deferred Action Information Forum for Dreamers will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at Pacifica High School, Pacifica Art Center, 600 E. Gonzales Road, Oxnard. Consulting lawyers from the Legal Affairs Department of the Consulate of…
United Way of Santa Barbara County receives Summer Learning Award
The United Way of Santa Barbara County has received a prestigious 2012 National Excellence in Summer Learning Award for its Fun in the Sun program, the organization reported this week in a media release. The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA)…
805 region students participate in Just Communities’ ‘Community Leadership Institute’
Students from Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez Valley, Carpinteria, and Fillmore/Piru schools recently participated in Community Leadership Institute, an eight-day residential summer program in Ojai that trains youth from the Central Coast to be leaders in issues of diversity…
Cuarta generación de graduados en la Plaza Bicentenario del Centro Comunitario del Colegio de Santa Barbara
El Consulado de México informa a la comunidad en general que el pasado 10 de agosto se llevó a cabo la cuarta ceremonia de graduación y entrega de Reconocimientos a 51 estudiantes de la “Plaza Comunitaria Bicentenario” del Centro Comunitario…
Pre-K photographers focus on portraits in SBMA’s ‘Art in Motion’ program
This summer, 25 pre-school students from Storyteller Children’s Center worked with Tina Villadolid, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art teaching artist, creating photographic portraits inspired by the current exhibition, Portrayal/Betrayal, through the Museum’s Art in Motion (AIM) program, the museum reported this…
Ventura County together tackle hunger, homelessness with ‘Potluck and Sleepover’ on Aug. 18
CAMARILLO — Ventura County residents can get a feel for the obstacles faced by families struck by job loss or underemployment at the Ventura County Together’s first Potluck and Sleepover at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at FOOD Share in Oxnard,…
Bilingual commentary: Digital Natives and Immigrants
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor I am an immigrant. This world in which I find myself seems so strange sometimes. It’s nothing like the land from which I hail, where I grew up, and where I used to feel so…
Cabrillo’s ASPIRA Program to hold fundraiser on Aug. 14 in Oxnard
A fundraiser to support Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.’s ASPIRA Program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14 at Sugarbeets Restaurant and Bar, 455 So. A St., Oxnard. Ticket sales benefit CEDC’s ASPIRA Program, which encourages local youth to develop personal finance…
Commentary: Oxnard College deserves equal representation
By Frank P. Barajas / Guest contributor For my study of the Chicano Movement in Ventura County, I learned that before Oxnard College’s opening in 1975, Vietnam veterans and newly minted high school graduates from the Oxnard Plain rode buses…
Andrea Vargas-Mendoza is the featured artist during August at Gallery 28 in Oxnard
Andrea Vargas-Mendoza is the featured artist during August at Gallery 28, 1901 So. Victoria Ave., Suite 109, beside Channel Islands Harbor. This show titled, “Along the Water,” features her most recent California landscape paintings done a la “plein air” which means done in…
New book by CLU’s José Marichal explores ‘Facebook Democracy’
THOUSAND OAKS — A California LutheranUniversity professor is the author of a new book that examines the impact of Facebook on democracy. London-based Ashgate Press is scheduled to release “Facebook Democracy: The Architecture of Disclosure and the Threat to Public…
Big Brothers Big Sisters receives $20,000 Monsanto Fund grant
CAMARILLO – Studies have shown youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs show improvements in academic, behavioral and socio-emotional outcomes. 83 percent of children involved in the program agree that having a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor instilled in…
Free, low cost Tdap vaccine clinics offered through Aug. 28
Ventura County Health Care Agency Las Islas Mobile Medical Clinic and the Ventura County Public Health Immunization Program have partnered to offer low cost or no cost Tdap vaccine for students entering 7th through 12th grade this year. Clinics will…
Concert on Aug. 10 in Hollywood to celebrate contributions of Fermin Herrera, others
NORTHRIGE — Hundreds of people are expected to gather at Los Angeles’ Ford Theatres on Aug. 10 to celebrate the contributions of Mexican-American and Chicano performing artists to California’s richly diverse culture. Among those being singled out for his tireless…
Bilingual commentary: A powerful weapon in our hands
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor If we were to commit the idiocy of handing a gun to a child, we shouldn’t be surprised if said child, in all innocence, were to hurt (or something worse, which we don’t even want…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County receives $80,000
Gifts from Martin V. & Martha K. Smith Foundation, Meadowlark Service League, and the United Women’s Leadership Council support the foster youth mentoring program CAMARILLO – The Martin V. & Martha K. Smith Foundation, Meadowlark Service League, and the United Women’s Leadership…
Future Leaders of America holding Youth Leadership Conference
VENTURA — High school students from Ventura and Santa Barbara County will be attending Future Leaders of America’s week long annual “Youth Leadership Conferenc starting Monday, Aug. 6 at the University of California Santa Barbara, the organization reported in a media…
Bilingual report: With schools in crisis, two propositions compete to raise funds
Activists plan to go door to door to spur potential voters to go to the polls, support initiatives By Cesar Arredondo / Amigos805 Just as students go back to classes this month, Maricela Morales is planning to start knocking on Ventura County…
Bilingual report: CSU Channel Islands celebrates 10th anniversary
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Students returning to classes this month will find a number of changes awaiting them at California State University, Channel Islands. Instead of the long leisurely drive through farmland from Lewis Road, the students will…
Bilingual report: Bariatric weight-loss center seeks to reach out to Latino community
From Amigos805 staff reports Being overweight can have a devastating impact on a person’s lifestyle. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea and a number of other ailments can be traced back to the amount and kind of food…
Bilingual commentary: Time to stuff the bus, fill backpacks
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Like most children, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the decision by my mother to take me by the hand and walk from our home on Cedar Street in Oxnard, down the long block…
Bilingual commentary: Five ways to prepare for the new school year
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor It’s true that summer can be just as busy as the school year. Often it’s too short for kids and too long for parents. It is a brief stop between the end of school, day camp,…
Bilingual travel story: Off the Beaten Path – Discovering Tubac
By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Tubac, Arizona was established by the King of Spain as a presidio in 1752, thirty years before the Santa Barbara Royal Presidio. Tubac, the first European settlement in Arizona, is known for outfitting…
Arts program set for July 31 at Café on A in Oxnard
The public is invited to a meet and greet program featuring William Strickland, founder and director of the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild and the Bidwell Training Center, from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 31 at Café on A, 438 So. A…
Clinicas del Camino Real to celebrate National Health Center Week
VENTURA COUNTY — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will host events in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW), the Ventura-based organization reported in a media release. Clinicas invites the Ventura Community to join them for a health fair from…
English-learners focus of $1.2 million grant to develop health, biology program for preschoolers
SANTA BARBARA — Studies show that many low-income Latino children begin kindergarten at a significant educational disadvantage as compared to their mainstream American classmates. With a $1.2 million Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institutes of Health, researchers at…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Police Department promoting bicycle safety awareness
OXNARD — There has been an increase in the number of bicycle collisions in the city of Oxnard in recent months, the Oxnard Police Department reported this week in a media release. Between January and June in 2011 there were…
July 24 is the deadline for information, advertisement submissions for August print edition
The deadline for submission news and calendar event media releases and advertisements for the August print edition of Amigos805 is 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 25. Amigos805 is also offering a summer business card-size advertisement special for the month of August…
United Way kicks off ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign on July 23
The United Way of Ventura County kicked off its third annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign to send children in need back to school with a smile on Monday, July 23, the organization reported in a media release. The United Way…
Consulado de México en Oxnard: Foros gratuitos 2012
SCORE Café de Negocios for Spanish speakers set for July 18
Dear Friends & Colleagues: I would like to share with you the attached flyers for our First SCORE Cafe de Negocios event this coming Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Casapueblo Restaurant in Downtown Oxnard. We hope to make SCORE Cafe…
VCCF buys Camarillo building to house foundation headquarters
Building will be center to serve nonprofit leaders, provide meeting space to the community CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation late last week bought a Camarillo office building to house the foundation’s headquarters, expand its Center for Nonprofit Leadership…
Bilingual commentary: State Assemblyman Das Williams draws fire for opposing CA Trust Act, supporting S-Comm
Community organizations call for July 28 protest at?Assemblyman’s offices in Oxnard and Santa Barbara OXNARD — Assemblyman Das Williams (D-35th District) is walking a tightrope among his constituents in this sensitive election year after provoking outrage among migrant justice advocates…