Amigos805 will be offering a summer business card-size advertisement special for the month of August for all our social media users. For a discount price of $50, your business card will appear in August on our website, e-newsletter and in…
Category: Education
Hernandez issues response to VCCCD accreditation issues and perceptions
By Arturo Hernandez / Board Trustee, VCCCD This statement is in response to the recent public accusations against me in the April 16th, 2012 Report from the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, released by the commission on July 2, 2012.…
Commentary: Homeless at 9, artist at 15
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor 1 in 45 kids is homeless in the U.S. What can you do for 1? This is Inocente… “In San Diego, a young teenage girl’s eyes stare into a compact mirror. She paints a dramatic black…
VCCF awards $1.2 million at annual scholarship reception
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to local students at the recent 2012 Scholarship Awards Reception, attended by more than 400 students, their families and donors who made the awards possible. The…
Bilingual commentary: Call for candidates!
By Denis O’Leary / Guest contributor We have all heard about the Presidential election of November 2012. We also survived the June primary elections to decide the candidates who will face off for county, state and federal positions. Yet, local…
El Concilio holding benefit night July 9 in Oxnard
El Concilio Family Services will hold a benefit night from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 9 at T.G.I. Friday’s, 2181 No. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Click on the above image, print it out and present it at the restaurant and…
Bilingual report: Efforts in high gear to avoid outages this summer
Residents and businesses can help prevent unwanted power disruptions, says private utility By Cesar Arredondo / New America Media/Amigos805 With its only nuclear plant shut down for now, Southern California Edison is asking for help from its costumers to keep energy flowing…
News notes: Fisherman’s Wharf lease expiring, Youth Empowerment Program holds ceremony
Five-Year pre-development lease at Channel Islands Harbor expires OXNARD —The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has chosen to allow the current lease at Fisherman’s Wharf, the corner of Victoria and Channel Islands, to expire on July 31, which is the…
Bilingual report: Staying local remains an attractive vacation option
Trips to wine region, state and national parks, historical sites are some of the local options By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While a trip to Spain or climbing a pyramid at Chichén Itzá may sound like an enticing summer vacation, a…
Bilingual commentary: Remembering a family’s history
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Sometimes a fleeting comment can lead to a whole world of discovery. Such was the case for Sylvia Munoz Schnopp, who was visiting her father one day in 2003. “It started out by just…
Bilingual update: News briefs
A variety of 4th of July activities are scheduled for the 805 region. The 37th annual 4th of July Street Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 4 in downtown Ventura. Free. The 4th of…
Downtown Sol announces upcoming events starting June 29
A “Writing Funshop” presented by local children’s book author Amada Irma Perez will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 29 at Downtown Sol, 328 W. Third St., Oxnard, reports owner Marisa Lopez. Suggested ages 7 to 12. Free.…
Foundation for Santa Barbara City College receives $10,000 for “Transitions” program
Program Allows Those Released From California Criminal Justice System Access to Higher Education SANTA BARBARA – The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College has received a $10,000 grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara to support the College’s Transitions program, a…
Health fair for men set for June 30 at Ventura College Market Place
A health fair for men is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at the Ventura College Market Place, at the corner of Telegraph and Day Roads. Testing services will be provided for diabetes, colesterol, body mass…
MICOP seeks volunteers for June 30 community meeting
Volunteers are needed to set up and staff the children’s crafts area and provide clean up assistance when the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project present its next monthly community meeting from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at Harrington Elementary…
Congress of California Seniors to hold open house on June 21
The Congress of California Seniors Region 5 will celebrate Elder Awareness Day with an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21 at the CCS Oxnard Field Office, 519 So. C St., Oxnard. The event includes the opportunity…
Bilingual report: $1,000 fines to be issued for illegal use of fireworks in Oxnard
OXNARD — In anticipation of the July 4, 2012 holiday, Oxnard police officers will enforce the ban on fireworks in Oxnard, City of Oxnard officials reported this week in a media release. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting or handling…
Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, June 22 to submit events, reserve advertising space for July Amigos805 print edition
The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, June 22 to submit July calendar events, information and reserve advertising space for the July newspaper print edition of Amigos805. A total of 10,000 copies are distributed throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.…
Bilingual report: Gold Coast Health Plan launches redesigned website
Managed care plan launches new site OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has launched its redesigned website featuring a dynamic new look and feel, the organization reported Tuesday in a media release. The new GCHP website provides online visitors…
Cancer Support Community to reach out to children, Latinos from June 21-23
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Cancer Support Community-Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara, formerly The Wellness Community will host a first-ever Cancer Support Summit, June 21-22 at the Cancer Support Community-Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara’s Westlake Village offices, the organization reported in a media release. Licensed therapists and professional staff will…
Bilingual commentary: Amnesty from taking a parent’s hand
By Denis O’Leary / Guest contributor Nov. 6, 1986, the icon of conservative thinking, President Ronald Reagan enacted the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). Amnesty! Twenty-six years later, President Reagan’s name has been bantered in the Republican presidential campaign as a standard to compare all other…
Health report: Some facts you should know about thyroid problems
By Rob Billiton / Wire report Your thyroid is a gland in your neck that can affect many aspects of your health. If you have problems with your thyroid, it can cause everything from depression to weight gain, plus it can…
¡Aventuras con Verduras! play to be held June 16 in Oxnard
¡Aventuras con Verduras!, a play on healthy eating choices, will be presented by Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer and Ventura County Public Health at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at Colonia Park, Memorial Veteran’s Gymnasium, 197 No. Marquita St., Oxnard.…
Commentary: A father’s blessings
By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor It began at the turn of 1900s. That’s when my parents were born in the foreboding village of Ahualulco, Jalisco. My jefitos were children of miserable poverty, suffocating Catholic resignation, a caste system that…
Santa Barbara Teen News Network seeking sponsors
sbTNN presents moving season finale episode honoring spirit of late founder, activist Patricia Henley. Nonprofit seeks sponsors to continue providing opportunities for local youth. SANTA BARBARA — The local teenage cast and crew of Santa Barbara Teen News Network (sbTNN)…
Santa Barbara’s Just Communities seeking sponsors for youth summer program
A total of 24 Santa Barbara students to will attend Community Leadership Institute (CLI) in Ojai GOLETA – Just Communities in Santa Barbara is seeking business/corporate or individual sponsors in Santa Barbara County to provide scholarships for students from four…
Health report: Six steps to staying mentally sharp and preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
By Kyle Scott / Wire report Alzheimer’s Disease is a horrible illness that effects millions of people each year. Essentially, Alzheimer’s Disease slowly ruins your memory and takes away the function of your brain until you are left unable to…
Orozco, North, Rondeau guide KCLU to four awards
NPR station honored for newswriting, bullying special THOUSAND OAKS — National Public Radio station KCLU is the winner of three awards from the Associated Press Television and Radio Association and one from the California Teachers Association for its news coverage.??…
Bilingual report: Protest to cuts in state childcare budget set for June 9 in Oxnard
The Latin America Child Care Provider Association, a nonprofit group of bilingual childcare providers, will provide information on cuts to the state’s childcare budget at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9 at Del Sol Park at the corner of Camino del…
El Concilio profile: Gilbert A. Romero
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2012 Latino Leadership awards — “Excellence in Education.” The awards gala was held on June 1, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click here or call…
Commentary: The Cristero War and an Oxnard family connection
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor As a Latina and an American of Mexican descent, I often anticipate the release of films that highlight the history of Mexico or the Latino experience in the United States. That was the case with…
Bilingual report: Promotores, community health worker free disaster training in Spanish on June 7
A free disaster preparedness training workshop provided in Spanish for promotores and community health workers will be held on Wednesday, June 6, with a repeat session on Thursday, June 7 at Clinicas del Camino Real Inc., 200 So. Wells Road,…
Sidewalk CPR ‘Hands-Only’ program set for June 7 in Ventura County
The Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency is partnering with the American Heart Association to coordinate a county-wide CPR program from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 7. This service is free to the public and will be held in various…
Bilingual report: CEDC’s Neighborworks Week 2012 set for June 9 at Ventura College
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.’s NeighborWorks Week 2012, “Family Learning Institute: Building Family Power from Home to Community,” will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura. The event will focus…
Bilingual commentary: Catholics and Hatred
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor A news item published several days ago tells about two threatening letters sent to a Catholic church in Santa Cruz, California. A few weeks ago, someone had scribbled anti-Catholic graffiti on the walls of…
Oxnard youth invited to attend summer camps
OXNARD — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme has revamped its Summer Day Camp program to be more engaging, exciting, and positive for youth in the area, the organization reported recently in a media release.…
Bilingual report: Sponsors needed by June 15 for Young Writers Camp
Writer and educator Amada Irma Perez reports that the South Coast Writing Project is seeking individuals and organizations willing to help sponsor young people to take part in the 2012 Young Writers Camp from Monday through Friday, July 9-20. The…
June edition of Amigos805 has hit the streets
The June print edition of Amigos805 is now available. Click on image above for a pdf of the edition. Click here for a list of locations where you can pick up a copy of the 10,000-copy edition. Thank you readers…
Bilingual report: Fighting police checkpoints while pressing for a dream
Activists use the latest technologies to help undocumented immigrant motorists and hope 2013 could bring ‘license for all’ By Cesar Arredondo / Amigos805 Francisco Romero doesn’t like police checkpoints. He believes that towing companies and municipalities unfairly profit from undocumented…
Bilingual report: Colleges fighting an uphill battle to stay relevant
Tight budgets and limits on new taxes make it a challenge to meet certification, graduation and transfer goals Editor’s note: Part of an occasional series of stories on the state of affairs in the California community college system. This story…
Bilingual report: Colleges seek to change focus of their mission
National community college group urges equal emphasis on success as well as access, promoting funding that supports achievement, not just enrollment growth. Amigos805 staff report Lack of funding for community colleges is not just a problem affecting California. This challenge…
Veronica Valadez exhibit continues through June 8 in Ventura
The exhibit “Yo Soy Maíz, Solo Art Exhibition by Verónica Xochitl Valadez” will continue through June 8 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 No. Ventura Ave., downtown Ventura. The exhibit is based on the artwork that complements her written master’s…
Bilingual Commentary: College and debt
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor It is becoming more and more difficult to sell to our young people the idea that going to college will allow them to better their lives, be a success, or, in general terms, to achieve something…
Oxnard Salsa Festival participants of ‘Dancing with Our Community Stars’ event
Pedro Chavez of Big Brothers, Big Sisters Ventura County, Yvonne Gutierrez of El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard and Martin Hernandez of Interface Children & Family Services are among of group of community members who will be participating in the…
El Concilio profile: Lorenzo “Lencho” Moraza
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2012 Latino Leadership awards — “Excellence in Education.” The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click…
‘Connecting the Oaxacan Communities’ talk set for May 24 in Ventura
The Ventura County Community Foundation, the Fundación Comunitaria Oaxaca and the International Community Foundation will present the “Connecting the Oaxacan Communities” panel presentation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24 at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main…
Bilingual report: Public Safety Fair set for May 26 in Oxnard
A “Public Safety Fair” featuring the Oxnard Police Department, the California Highway Patrol and the Oxnard Fire Department, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 26 at Southwinds Park at Courtland and Clara streets in Oxnard.…
MICOP seeks volunteers for May 26 community meeting
Volunteers are needed to set up and staff the children’s crafts area and provide clean up assistance when the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project present its next monthly community meeting on Saturday, May 26 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St. in…
CLU Upward Bound receives $3 million
Grants will continue current services, allow expansion THOUSAND OAKS — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded California Lutheran University more than $3 million to continue and expand its TRIO Traditional Upward Bound services, the university reported this week in…
Businesses to benefit from SCORE, SBDC partnership
Memorandum of Understanding formalizes organizations’ working relationship CAMARILLO –Startups and growing businesses have long benefited from business assistance services from the EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties and Ventura County SCORE. Now the two nonprofit organizations…
Bilingual commentary: The graduation ceremony
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor This past week, my beloved daughter received her master’s degree in education from Cal Lutheran, a prestigious and highly recognized university here in Ventura County. Her mother and I, together with her husband and two sons,…
El Concilio profile: Roxanne Reyna Miranda
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2012 Latino Leadership awards — “Excellence in Education.” The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme takes honors at national conference
OXNARD — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) recently received two prestigious Merit Awards for Program Excellence from Judith J. Pickens, senior vice president, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the organization reported in…
Local student awarded full-tuition scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs, University of Phoenix
OXNARD – Boys & Girls Clubs alumni Kara Brown was one of 20 recipients nationwide to receive a full-tuition scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and University of Phoenix to complete an undergraduate or master’s degree. More than 200 Boys…
Bilingual commentary: ‘Today, we are all Mixteco’
By Denis O’Leary / Guest contributor The Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), has started a campaign against racism and bullying of the Mixteco community in Ventura County. MICOP estimates that there are more than 20,000 indigenous Mexicans in Ventura County, mostly Mixtecos…
El Concilio profile: Kristine Guzman
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories in May profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2012 Latino Leadership awards — “Excellence in Education.” The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing…
Clinicas del Camino Real is celebrating Women’s Health Week
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. is hosting events this week in honor of National Women’s Health Week (May 13-19), the health care provider reported Thursday in a media release. Clinicas invites the community to visit one of its 13 locations…
Deadline approaching for June print edition of Amigos805
Also check out our Amigos805 On Scene email newsletter on May 24 for discount coupons The deadline is rapidly approaching for the June print edition of Amigos805. Thank you dear readers and advertisers for supporting our efforts to make Amigos805…
CSU Channel Islands celebrates opening of new entrance
University officials, political leaders and the public gathered on May 11 for the official opening of a new four-lane University Drive main entrance road at California State University, Channel Island. The public dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony included a presentation by…
Bilingual commentary: Filing … not piling
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Some time ago I felt completely inundated by mail, receipts and documents that I would receive — and, as a result, accumulate — day after day after day. The very volume of that paper was overwhelming…
Indigenous community to launch anti-bullying campaign on May 17
Indigenous Mexican leaders of Ventura County will publicly launch the “No Me Llames Oaxaquita!” (Don’t call me little Oaxacan!) campaign at a press conference at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at the Center for Employment Training, 761 So. C St., Oxnard,…
El Concilio profile: Margaret Cortese
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories in May profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2012 Latino Leadership awards — “Excellence in Education.” The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing…
Five Wishes celebration held in Santa Barbara
More than 200 community members took part recently in the Second Annual Community-Wide Gathering and Celebration of the Five Wishes held at the Rockwood Woman’s Club in Santa Barbara. The Alliance for Living and Dying Well, a collaborative of Santa…
Free Oaxacan dance performance set for 6 p.m. May 11
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is co-sponsoring a free evening of Oaxacan dance, music, hot chocolate and bread with the Rio School District and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May…
Bilingual report: California ‘Schools Under Stress’
Teacher layoffs, large class sizes and increasing student poverty complicate schools’ mission, study says. By Cesar Arredondo / Amigos805 contributor California’s largest school districts are facing many stress factors that undermine the education of millions of students, according to…
Cost analysis underway for Das Williams’ bill to provide financial support for state’s higher education systems
Nontax revenue for higher education systems being considered SACRAMENTO — The Assembly Appropriations Committee is studying the potential fiscal impact of a legislative proposal introduced by Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) that would transfer some state-owned properties to a public…
Bilingual commentary: Children, schools and food
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Children delight us, although at times they may bother or even anger us. But our children are our treasure, and nothing is more important than their upbringing and their health. The success of our efforts is…
LULAC urges public to attend May 10 Rio School District meeting
The League of United Latin American Citizens — District 17 — is urging the public to attend the next Rio School District board meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 10 to show support for three trustees who may face a…
CLU honors alumna for language work
Julie Sykes’ digital games immerse users in Spanish THOUSAND OAKS — The California Lutheran University Alumni Association Board of Directors presented the 2012 Outstanding Young Alumna Award to a University of New Mexico faculty member who uses technology to teach…
Capps announces $3.2 million in grants to Clinicas to expand health services
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) on Monday announced that Ventura-based Clinicas Del Camino Real has been awarded two grants totaling nearly $3.2 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fund renovation and construction projects…
Commentary: Single-member district elections will better serve Oxnard
By Denis O’Leary / Guest contributor Be it a smiling teacher at the door as a child walks in the classroom, a new school site or solar panels on the playgrounds to generate clean electricity, there are many ways to educate the…
El Concilio profile: Oliva Barajas
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories in May profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2012 Latino Leadership awards — “Excellence in Education.” The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Oxnard…
Amigos805 goes on KPCC’s ‘Patt Morrison’ show on 89.3 FM to discuss Cinco de Mayo
Dr. David Hayes-Bautista and Amigos805’s Frank X. Moraga joined KPCC’S Patt Morrison on 89.3 FM in a discussion Friday on the true history behind Cinco de Mayo and the battle against big American marketing efforts to turn the holiday into ‘Cinco…
Amigos805 May print edition has hit the streets
The May print edition of Amigos805 has hit the streets in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Click on the image above to see a PDF of the edition.
Bilingual report: Colleges fight to survive time of change
State budget cuts, capped enrollment make community college today a challenge Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of stories on the state of affairs in the California community college system. This story addresses the problems facing Latino students. Next…
Bilingual report: Briefs/Breves
COLLEGE ACCREDITATION VISIT: The Ventura County Community College District was visited by a site team from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges on April 16. The team was looking at the district’s…
Deadline approaches to RSVP for May 4 ‘Youth Empowerment Summit’ at Oxnard College
The registration deadline is Tuesday, May 1 for the annual “Youth Empowerment Summit,” which will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 4 at Oxnard College, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard, the Young Leaders Society reported…
Cinco de Mayo symposium set for May 4 at UCSB
The Symposium “Cinco de Mayo: Twenty-First Century Perspectives,” will be presented from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 4 at the University of California, Santa Babara in Mosher House — Alumni Hall. Presented by 150 De Mayo Puebla Defensa…
Montalvo Elemenary School student wins Strawberry Festival’s youth art contest
VENTURA — Eight-year-old Alys Campos, a second grade student at Montalvo Elementary School in Ventura, has been declared the winner of the 2012 California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest, sponsored by Valu Plus Food Warehouse, Festival Chairwoman Daisy Tatum…
Conference for Social Justice in Education to be held April 28 at CSU Channel Islands
The School of Education at CSU Channel Islands will present the 4thAnnual Conference for Social Justice in Education on Saturday, April 28 at the university. The daylong conference, free and open to the public, is to showcase the social justice…
University students launch iCLU radio
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University’s new student-run radio station is live. At a time when other universities are closing student stations for financial reasons, Internet station iCLU has begun streaming from a studio located in the year-old center housing…
Thank you for supporting our May print edition of Amigos805
Dear reader, Thank you very much for supporting our efforts to make Amigos805 your key source of news for and about the vibrant Latino community in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Your reaction to our first…
Commentary: The morning run
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Every day we read or hear that we as Americans must be doing more exercise if we are to ward off some pretty serious issues, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and an entire litany…
Commentary: When stress eats holes in your brain
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor It sounds like something out of science fiction, but this is no Sci-Fi novel where Zombies eat brains. A recently released Yale University study, says that stress causes the brain to shrink. Houston neuroscientist and author…
Oxnard College to present Ballet Folklórico Mestizo performance April 20-21
Oxnard College to present the 31st anniversary performance of the Ballet Folklorico Mestizo — a cultural fusion of indigenous and European influences in dance and music, organizers reported in a media release. The program features traditional dances from six regions…
Flamenco Arts Festival to present ‘Concierto Para Los Niños’ on April 21
The Flamenco Arts Festival will present its annual “Concierto Para Los Niños” at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. Shirin Rajaee, anchor/reporter at KEYT, will serve as master of ceremonies in…
Children’s Day/Dia de los Niños set for April 21 in Oxnard
Children’s Day, Dia de los Niños, with the Mixteco/ Indigena Community Organizing Project!, will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard, the organization reported recently in a media release. MICOP…
Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet to perform April 20-22 in Santa Barbara region
¡Viva Arte de Santa Barbara! will present Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company with free performances at 7 p.m. Friday, April 20 at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta; at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Guadalupe City Hall,…
Free folklorico dance workshop set for April 22 in Santa Barbara
A free “Folklorico Dance Workshop with Grandeza Mexicana” will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22 at Casa de La Raza, 601 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara. The workshop is presented by Casa de La Raza and ¡Viva…
New video produced of Prom Dress Project distribution
Nancy Michelle Rodriguez reports that more than 500 prom dresses, a new record, were collected and presented to young women during a fitting held recently at Pacifica High School in Oxnard. “I’d like to thank those of you who donated…
Easy way to get email updates from Amigos805
Now there is an easier way to sign up for the Amigos805 enewsletter if you are seeking regular email updates on issues and events for and about the vibrant Latino community in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Just…
So. Cal Gas Co. presents $20,000 to Boys & Girls Club
The Southern California Gas Co. presented a $20,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme on April 12 as part of a 2011 Education Initiative, the organization reported in a media release. The presentation,…
SBCC’s foster youth students program receives grant from Vons Foundation
SANTA BARBARA — The Vons Foundation has presented a grant of $2,500 in its continued support to benefit the Santa Barbara City College’s foster youth students, the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) reported this week in a media…
Arts in Public Places RFP workshop set for April 14 in Oxnard
The Black and Brown Youth Arts and Cultural Alliance will hold a Request for Proposal workshop for Arts in Public Places (AIPP) projects in Oxnard at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at the Acuna Gallery @ Café on A, 438…
Commentary: The elephant in the room — Chronic unemployment
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor No one wants to look at it. After all, maybe it will just go away. We avoid even mentioning it, lest we give it power, lest it be true. If we do discuss it,…
Four Oxnard teens enhance leadership skills at National Keystone Conference
OXNARD — Four members of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) were among the more than 1,500 teens who recently attended the National Keystone Club Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, the organization reported in…
Bell Arts Factory celebrates First Friday with art exhibit, reception
Works of artists Andrea Vargas, Jon Nelson, Pricisila Cisneros and Ryan Carr were showcased when the Bell Arts Factory presented “Ventura’s New ARTist City” on April 6 in Ventura. On exhibit will be some of ventura’s best young artists Their…
College district accreditation commission visit set for April 16
The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) will be visited by site team members representing the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Commission) on Monday, April 16, the college district reported in…
Contributor Magallanes has column highlighted in New American Media
Amigos805 guest contributor David Magallanes had his column highlighted in New American Media on April 9. The column, Is U.S. education unraveling?, was originally published in Amigos805 on March 29. Under the headline “A Sense of ‘Despair’ Hangs Over Community College Campus,”…
Bilingual report: Teatro holding sushi fundraiser on April 9 in Oxnard
Teatro de las Américas will be present its next sushi fundraiser at 7 p.m. Monday, April 9 at Genmai Sushi, 3623 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. “Meet the cast of “Zapatera; meet friends of Teatro; enjoy good food and have a…
Commentary: Media panel persecution (I mean, candidates panel presentation)
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It was certainly an educational meeting for us all at the Latino Issues Forum, held Thursday, April 5 in a hotel ballroom in Oxnard. The forum, featuring questions put to candidates for the 26th…
Latino Issues Forum set for 6 p.m. April 5 in Oxnard
Join us in a historic event which will help decide who is elected to represent Ventura County in the U.S. Congress, the League of United Latin American Citizens reported in a media release. Clinicas Del Camino Real, LULAC, Latino Town…
UCSB sociologist to give ‘Plous’ lecture on crime and desistance among marginalized youth
SANTA BARBARA — Victor Rios, associate professor of sociology at UC Santa Barbara and a specialist in the interplay between institutions of social control, juvenile crime, and gang-associated youths, will give the Harold J. Plous Award Lecture on Wednesday, April 18, the university…
Gutierrez captures spirit of César Chávez Celebration
Friend of Amigos805 Jess Gutierrez (photographer, writer, publisher and all things local Latino media) was busy Sunday, April 1 capturing images at the 16th annual César Chávez Celebration, which began with a mass for field workers at Cristo Rey Church, 531 Cooper Road in…
Amigos805 print edition is now hitting the streets — See distribution list
Click on image above for PDF version of the April 2012 edition of Amigos805 Hello everyone. The bilingual print edition of Amigos805 is now hitting the streets. Click here for our distribution list, which is growing by the hour In…
Commentary: Is U.S. education unraveling?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor As I walk across campus at the community college where I teach, I sometimes get the impression that I can almost hear my own footsteps as I walk toward my classroom or to an office…
Commentary: In honor of César Chávez Day
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/Guest contributor On Monday, March 26, 2012, Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis, hosted the Induction of the Pioneers of the Farm Worker Movement into the Labor Hall of Fame and the naming of the César E. Chávez…
MICOP to hold meeting on March 31 in Oxnard
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project will present its next monthly community meeting on Saturday, March 31 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St. in Oxnard. “If the weather is nice we plan on having the children outside, so if you…
Laurus College celebrates its fourth campus opening in Oxnard during ribbon-cutting ceremony
OXNARD — Business leaders and entrepreneurs from Ventura County met the students and staff of Laurus College’s Oxnard Campus at a ribbon cutting Ceremony on March 21, the institution reported in a media release. The ceremony celebrated the opening of…
Commentary: My Role Models — Teenage Entrepreneurs
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Last month I wrote about my visit to Solvang and how I watched what books my hand went for in the book section of a store that sold mystical items (candles, crystals, amulets, etc.).…
CLU honored as community-service leader
University’s service learning, volunteering highlighted THOUSAND OAKS — For the second year in a row, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the U.S. Department of Education honored California Lutheran University as a leader in volunteering, service learning…
Tequila tasting on tap for ‘Pacifica High School PTSA Fundraiser’ on March 23 in Oxnard
The second annual “Pacifica High School PTSA Fundraiser” will be held Friday, March 23 at Sugar Beets Restaurant, 455 So. A St., Oxnard. Dinner, tequila tasting, dessert, dancing and a silent auction are scheduled for this event ($40 per ticket),…
Commentary: Time to celebrate the life of César Chávez
By Denis O’Leary / Guest contributor This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United Farm Workers. Oxnard has benefited greatly, as has the nation from the advocacy and laws that have come about from the UFW. César Chávez was the catalyst…
‘Latin Lit Lovers’ celebration set for March 24 in Ojai
‘Latin Lit Lovers Mexican Dinner Buffet,’ a celebration of the great works of Latin writers de romance, folkloricos, ficcione, prosa & poesia from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Los Caporales Resturant & Bar, 307 E. Ojai Ave.,…
‘Bowl For Kids’ Sake’ fundraiser set for March 24 in Simi Valley
Fundraiser allows community to ‘Start Something’ to help children who face adversity Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County is appealing to everyone who cares about kids to support Bowl for Kids’ Sake, the mentoring organization’s biggest annual public fundraiser…
‘Dance Across the Divide’ performance set for March 24 at Oxnard College
“Tapestry,” Education & Awareness Woven Together By Innovative Choreography — the 2012 debut performance ($30) will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Contact Amy Edwards at 805-986-5800, or…
‘Starting a Small Business Workshop’ set for March 19 in Camarillo
The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties is presenting a series of free workshops held at EDC-VC, 1601 Carmen Drive, Suite 215, Camarillo. “Starting a Small Business Workshop” is a monthly workshop…
Bilingual report: Free citizenship fair set for March 17 in Santa Barbara
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, in partnership with Santa Barbara City College, will provide a free “Naturalization Information Session” for legal permanent residents and interested naturalization applicants from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Selmer O.…
Chicano artist Leo Limón celebrated in book released by UCSB’s CEMA
SANTA BARBARA — The life and work of the prolific and socially conscious Chicano artist Leo Limón is the focus of a book recently published by UC Santa Barbara’s Chicano Studies Institute and the California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives (CEMA),…
Book donations sought March 15 to benefit students of cultural studies in Arizona
Local Latino journalist/photojournalist Jess Gutierrez this weekend announced that he is seeking donations of books to benefit students of cultural studies program in Arizona. “Friends, I need your help,” Gutierrez stated in a media release. “As a writer, photojournalist, and…
Commentary: Your Ventura County Museum
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier /Guest contributor On Sunday’s I take a little longer reading the Arts and Culture section of the newspaper because of the variety of museums, theaters, and cultural events in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura Counties. I’m…
Oxnard youth receives California Workforce Association’s scholarship
OXNARD — The California Workforce Association awarded Magdalena Carriedo, a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP), with the Dwight Brydie Scholarship at its 13th Annual Youth Conference, Jan. 18, in Long Beach,…
SBCC Foundation holds ‘VIP Kick-Off Party,’ campaign on March 14
A student rally will also take place directly before the VIP night SANTA BARBARA — The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College will host a VIP kick-off party and call night as the official start of the college’s Campaign for…
Commentary: The Sunbelt strategy
By Frank P. Barajas / Guest contributor What do California State University Professor Rodolfo F. Acuña, Henry David Thoreau, and Abraham Lincoln have in common? Before I tell you, you need to know that the narratives of Acuña (a founder of Chicano…
Mexican Consulate releases calendar of events for March
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Wednesday released its calendar of events for March. Click here for a PDF version of the calendar. Visit www.consulmexoxnard.com
History of Cinco de Mayo subject of UCSB lecture on March 8
UCLA’S David Hayes-Bautista discusses significance of American holiday As the 150th anniversary of the first Cinco de Mayo approaches, David Hayes-Bautista, professor of medicine and director of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture at the School…
Commentary: National Women’s History Month
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier /Guest contributor Since 1911 in Europe, March 8 is the day to celebrate International Women’s Day. In 1978 in California, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women began a “Women’s…
FOOD Share to hold meetings March 10, 31 for potential volunteers
FOOD Share — Ventura County’s Food Bank, will hold a meeting for potential volunteers at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10 and 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31 at 4156 Southbank Road, Oxnard. FOOD Share has many opportunities to help and support…
Small Business Development Center adds advisors
Trio join roster of about 30 business experts available free to companies CAMARILLO — Three business advisors with expertise in developing cash flow, productivity, accounting and taxation have joined the Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties,…
Ventura County AIDS Partnership will wind down operations in 2012
No new grants will be awarded during the fall of 2013 The Ventura County AIDS Partnership announced this week that it is winding down its operation during 2012, with no new grants to be awarded during the fall of 2013.…
CLU students rally against Cal Grant cuts in Sacramento
Students from throughout state to descend on Capitol THOUSAND OAKS — Five California Lutheran University students will travel to Sacramento on March 7 to protest a proposed cut to Cal Grant awards for students at independent nonprofit colleges, the university…
CLU graduate students to be consultants for area businesses
SBDC’s Ray Bowman teaches new MBA class CAMARILLO — Twelve California Lutheran University MBA students are blending academics with real-world experience as they explore the field of small business consulting by providing services to three local businesses, the Economic Development…
Two Oxnard teens honored as BGCOP’s Youths of the Year
OXNARD — Singled out among several outstanding local youth, Genesis Mena and Taylor Penny, both from Oxnard, were recently named “2012 Youth of the Year” by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, the organization reported Friday…
Xavier Montes exhibit artist reception set for March 2 in Santa Paula
The Ventura College Santa Paula Site will hold a Meet the Artist Reception for an exhibit featuring the works of artist Xavier Montes from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 2 at 957 Faulkner Road, Suite 106 in Santa Paula.…
Premier issue of Amigos805 print edition coming in April
The premier issue of Amigos805, a 10,000-copy bilingual print edition, is coming to the region in April to better serve the community in the California Central Coast region. The publication is then scheduled to go weekly starting in May, the…
Early homestead family presentation set for March 1 at Museum of Ventura County
From Malibu to the Ventura County line, the Santa Monica Mountains bring to mind beautiful hiking trails and amazing coastal view homes. But in 1917, when homesteaders Lauretta and John Spurgeon Houston arrived in what is still a remote corner…
SBCC’s Luria Library receives $10,500 in scholarships
SANTA BARBARA — The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is pleased to announce that the Friends of the Luria Library has presented SBCC’s Eli Luria Library with 21 scholarships, each valued at approximately $500. A total of $10,500-…
UCSB to hold outreach programs at high schools in Ventura, Santa Barbara Counties starting Feb. 28
UCSB Early Academic Outreach presents Higher Education Week SANTA BARBARA — The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara is sponsoring its spring Higher Education Week, a four-day, two-county event beginning Feb. 28, the university reported in a…
Just Communities to honor outstanding community members on Feb. 26 in Santa Barbara
Amy Van Meter Courageous Conversation Award to be presented to Esther Flores, Andrew Sanchez and the Dos Pueblos High School PTSA Committee on Equity and Excellence at 10th anniversary celebration SANTA BARBARA — Just Communities will celebrate its 10th anniversary…
Commentary: Speech, appearance, language and notation
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor What do we perceive when someone on the street approaches us and tells us, “Hey, you got some change? ‘Cause I ain’t got no money and even though I gone to the agency, they won’t…
Commentary: When we were Catholic — Lent
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor My mother is Roman Catholic. She baptized and raised us as such. We attended Catholic schools from first to twelfth grade. Everything you can imagine in the 1960’s-70’s era of Catholicism, in a Latino…
Southern California Gas Co. awards $20,000 grant to Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme
BGCOP will use money for its College Bound program OXNARD —The Southern California Gas Co. presented a $20,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme recently as part of a 2011 Education Initiative, the…
UCSB’s International Mother Language Day Conference continues on Feb. 24
SANTA BARBARA — Sixty years ago, a group of students from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh (then known as East Pakistan) were killed as they participated in the Bengali Language Movement protests. The student activists were seeking to have Bengali…
Museum of Ventura County to hold reception on Feb. 24 for Latino exhibits
The opening reception for the exhibits “Music before Columbus: The Collection of Luis Perez” and “Hilos de la Vida/Threads of Life: The Weavers of Teotitlán del Valle” will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 at the…
Volunteers needed for MICOP meetings on Feb. 25 in Oxnard
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project will present its next monthly community meeting on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St. and at Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenny St., both in Oxnard. “Both locations can use your…
Arts For Action to hold auction, show on Feb. 25 in Oxnard
Arts for Action will present “Oxnard, Te Amo,” with an auction from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Oxnard Public Library, 251 So. A St., Oxnard. A meet-and-greet event with the artists will be held at 6…
Latino Links: Economic trends
As the nation continues to recover from effects of the great recession, Latinos are expected to account for nearly three-quarters of the nation’s labor force from 2010 to 2020, according to a recent media release by the Pew Research Center…
UCSB to host Chicano Movement conference on Feb. 17-18
Event will examine impact of movement and how it relates to today SANTA BARBARA — “Chicano Power!,” a two-day conference at UC Santa Barbara to examine the Chicano movement of the 1960’s and ’70s, a major formative period in Chicano history, will begin…
Commentary: What’s a Red Dress have to do with heart disease?
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor For the past week, you’ve seen red hearts, candy, flowers and Valentine cards everywhere. Well now that Valentine’s Day has passed, it’s still appropriate to talk about the color red and hearts. February is also…
Sheet metal workers help Camarillo’s ACE charter high school
Tri-County trade organizations donate to construction-prep high school CAMARILLO – Representatives from two local trade organizations, Tri-counties Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Assoc. (SMACNA) and Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #273, recently joined forces and donated funding for Camarillo’s Architecture, Construction…