OXNARD — The 2016 California Strawberry Festival gets underway with its 33rd seasonal celebration May 21 and 22 on 15 picturesque acres at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard. Ranked nationwide among the top outdoor Festivals, the event boasts strawberries…
Category: Family
Bilingual commentary — Fair Wage: Let’s Be Cautious
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 David Magallanes…
El Centrito Family Learning Centers announces ‘Pathways Community Luncheon 2016’ on May 20
OXNARD — El Centrito Family Learning Center has announced its “Pathways Community Luncheon 2016″will be held from noon to1:30 p.m. Friday, May 20. The third annual event brings together more than 150 community leaders, parents, speakers and businesses to raise funds…
Public invited to “Monarch Madness” milkweed planting event on May 14
VENTURA — On Sat., May 14, from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host “Monarch Madness” – a free family-friendly milkweed planting event at their Willoughby Preserve in the Ventura River estuary. This open-to-the-public event is appropriate for people of all…
Former Oxnard Police Officer Lives Life of Purpose Through Foster Care
Natalie Cardenas Torres joins panel of inspirational speakers at Foster VC Kids Informational meeting, May 21 in Oxnard VENTURA COUNTY—Ventura County resident Natalie Cardenas Torres has always been drawn to a life of service, but she never imagined she’d be…
Bilingual commentary: Grandparent Privileges and Responsibilities
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 David Magallanes…
Foodbank Launches Healthy Community Pantry on April 26
Foodbank CEO and community leaders will be on hand April 26 to launch Healthy Community Pantry, which provides local produce and staples, as well as nutritional education, to local families. SANTA BARBARA — The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is…
VCMRF’s Children’s Resource Program
WHY WAIT A YEAR? Protect your senses! Once a year a charitable event generously offers a free dental clinic; however, every day there is a child in pain who requires help, NOW! The Children’s Resource Program (CRP) began 31 years…
Affordable Housing for Families Preserved in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara recently invited community leaders and partners to celebrate the renovation kick-off for the Pearl Gardens and Sycamore Gardens family housing properties with a tour of old and newly…
Grammy-nominated singer Perla Batalla to give two free concerts on April 29 at CSU Channel Islands
CAMARILLO — A Grammy-nominated vocalist, composer and arranger who first gained international attention as a backup singer for vocalist Leonard Cohen will give two free concerts on the CSU Channel Islands (CI) campus at 5 and 8 p.m. on Friday, April 29.…
El Concilio Family Services announces winners of Latino Leadership Awards. Event to be held May 6
OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard has announced the winners of its 27th annual Latino Leadership Awards. The winners include Alejandra Castellanos, Amelia Aparicio, Dr. Ana M. Becerra, Erika Arteaga, Jesse Lamas Calvillo, Dr. Kaia Tollefson, Matilde “Mati” Sanchez…
Latin Grammy winners Monsieur Periné bring “Suin a la colombiana” to Santa Barbara April 29 through May 1
SANTA BARBARA — Monsieur Periné, Latin Grammy winners for “Best New Artist” of 2015, come to Santa Barbara for free family events of art and music presented by ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Monsieur Periné will perform in free…
RSVP deadline approaching for El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards
OXNARD — The RSVP deadline is approaching for El Concilio’s Family Services 27th annual Latino Leadership Awards. The winners include Alejandra Castellanos, Amelia Aparicio, Dr. Ana M. Becerra, Erika Arteaga, Jesse Lamas Calvillo, Dr. Kaia Tollefson, Matilde “Mati” Sanchez and…
CDA Cares free dental clinic coming to Ventura April 16-17
VENTURA — The California Dental Association Foundation will be hosting a CDA Cares free dental clinic April 16-17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis with a goal of providing care to approximately 2,000…
Lompoc Family YMCA Exceeds Annual Campaign Goal
LOMPOC — The Lompoc Family YMCA concluded its 2016 Annual Campaign with a Victory Celebration on March 3 at Sage Restaurant. The Victory Event, attended by more than 65 volunteers and staff, showcased the YMCA surpassing its Annual Campaign goal…
Popular Summer “Critter Camp” Sessions Provide Young Animal Lovers a Creative Approach to Learn Responsibility and Kindness. Registration opens April 1
Children ages 9 to 11 learn animal care, crafts and many other activities SANTA BARBARA – Santa Barbara Humane Society presents “Critter Camp” summer day camps for children 9 to 11 years old who love animals and want to learn more…
Righetti High School Marimba Band & Ballet Folklórico to present its 39th annual “Big Show” performance on March 18, 19 in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA — The Righetti High School Marimba Band & Ballet Folklórico will present its 39th annual “Big Show” performance at 7: 30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19 at Santa María High School’s Ethel Pope Auditorium, 901 S. Broadway, Santa…
Information session for foster parents to be held March 22
VENTURA COUNTY — As a resource family, you become a link in a lifelong chain. You can provide the unconditional healing, support, and guidance that can help a child and siblings thrive and grow as every child needs. When children…
Sesión informativa para padres de crianza el 22 de marzo
VENTURA COUNTY — El mejor regalo que puede darle a un menor es dejarlo ser un niño rodeado del amor de una familia. Como padre de crianza, usted ayudara a mejorar la seguridad, permanencia y bienestar para toda la vida. Ofrecerle…
Share Your Bounty: Help the Foodbank Distribute 225,000 Pounds of Produce by April 1
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — It’s peak citrus season in Santa Barbara and that means there’s lots of excess healthy — and delicious — fruit to harvest and distribute to those in need. Backyard Bounty, a volunteer program of the Foodbank of…
Dads and Daughters Dance Night Away at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA’s Cinderella’s Ball
SANTA YNEZ – Approximately 500 dads and daughters of all ages bonded during an evening of dancing, games and prizes at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA’s Cinderella’s Ball themed father-daughter dance. The dance took place over two nights inside the Stuart…
Inlakech Cultural Arts Center to celebrate 43 years of service on Feb. 27
OXNARD — The Inlakech Cultural Arts Center will celebrate 43 years of service with a “Red Charro Suits and Raffle Fundraiser” from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 at The Kitchen Restaurant, 529 S. A St., Oxnard. Featuring a new…
Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. hosting dental health fair on Feb. 27 in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month
OXNARD — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. If you have a baby or toddler, you may have questions about thumb sucking, your child’s first dental visit or how and when to clean your child’s teeth. If so, on…
YMCA and Special Olympics Team Up to Spread the Word to End the R-Word day of awareness on March 5
MONTECITO — On Saturday, March 5th, the Montecito Family YMCA and Special Olympics Santa Barbara invite the public to attend the Spread the Word to End the Word day of awareness in support of the Special Olympics R-Word Campaign. From…
Money in the pockets of working Californians
By Hannah-Beth Jackson Last year, California created the state’s first-ever Earned Income Tax Credit. This tax credit, which I supported, will put money back into the pockets of California’s low income working families to help pay for groceries, catch up…
‘El Bracero – A Mariachi Opera’ to be presented at Oxnard College on Jan. 16
OXNARD — “El Bracero — A Mariachi Opera” will be presented at 7 p.m. at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Theater, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Featuring Mariachi Aguilas de Oxnard and Ballet Folklorico Mestizo. Set in the 1950s at…
United Way of Ventura County: 36 hours left to make a difference
President’s Message Click here for the entire January 2016 E-newsletter Dear Friends, I returned from serving in the Peace Corps as a teacher in the 5th poorest country in the world just two weeks prior to 9/11. What was so…
El Centrito Family Learning Centers thank you
Joseph Castañeda Carrera / El Centrito Family Learning Centers Season’s greetings to you and yours! El Centrito Family Learning Centers thank you for believing that every child and every family deserves the opportunity to reach their greatest potential. To donate in support…
Local Holiday Toy Drive Receives Donations for Foster, Low-Income Children
/ Foster VC Kids / Children’s Services Auxiliary Currently there are 1,000 children in foster care and thousands of additional low-income kids in Ventura County, and these youth are in need of toys and other gifts this holiday season. In an…
CSU Channel Island students offer free in-home service for Latina/os with traumatic brain injury
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) Health Science students are seeking Ventura County Latina/os with a traumatic brain injury to take part in a free in-home service called “Trabajadora de Salud,” the university reported in a media release. Assistant Professor of Health…
December cover story: Holiday events add to the magic of the season
Posadas (Dec. 11), La Pastorela (Dec. 19, 20) to be presented at El Presidio de Santa Barbara Historic Park From Amigos805 staff reports The public is invited to participate in Santa Barbara’s oldest Christmas traditions as the Santa Barbara Trust…
El Concilio seeks support during ‘Giving Tuesday’ on Dec. 1

Dear Friend,
We are coming to the end of the year and over the last year we have enjoyed support of many of you.
We have served over 17,000 client contacts in the areas of Citizenship, Immigration, Youth Leadership and Development and Direct Client Assistance.
This is a request to join our end of the year campaign by making a donation to El Concilio Family Services.
All donations are most gratefully received regardless of the amount.
Gold Coast Health Plan to recognize Diabetes Awareness Month with resource fair on Nov. 7 in Oxnard
OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan will recognize Diabetes Awareness Month in November with a “Diabetes Awareness Resource Fair” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Oxnard Public Library, 1251 S. A St., Oxnard. The program will feature…
2015 Día de los Muertos Celebracion to be held Nov. 7 in Camarillo
CAMARILLO — One of the final Day of the Dead events will occur this weekend when the 2015 Día de los Muertos Celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park and…
November cover story: Area agencies prepare to wage war on hunger
Holiday season is typical time for organizations to raise awareness of those in need in the region From Amigos805 staff reports Given the rebounding economy and the stereotypical image of a laid-back Golden State, the statistics seem stark. One in…
Bilingual commentary: “After 17”
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Country-Western music is well-known for its ability to powerfully express the heartaches, the grudges, the pleasures and the joys that we experience in our lives. It often sings of our delights, tragedies and transitions — including those…
Health: Open Enrollment for Covered California begins Nov. 15
Period is one time of year when most Californians who need insurance cannot be denied by a health plan. Deadline is Feb. 15 By the Ventura County Health Care Agency VENTURA COUNTY — Open Enrollment starts Nov. 15 and continues…
Local health information
> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of November in Ventura County. Click here to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
More Día de los Muertos events coming this weekend, beyond
SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning presented Día de los Muertos celebration
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Community College SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning (the CLL) hosted its free family-friendly Día de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 24 at the Schott Campus to commemorate the dead through a 4000-year-old Mesoamerican tradition. Children of all ages…

