By David Magallanes • Guest contributor David Magallanes We Americans inhabit the “Land of the Free,” the “Land of Liberty” and the “Shining City on the Hill.” We live under halcyon skies and grow our food—and that of much of the…
Category: Family
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCCGV) Benefit from the Sam Querrey Classic
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCCGV) recently benefitted from the Sam Querrey Classic hosted by the North Ranch Country Club in Thousand Oaks. The event included live ball sessions with Sam Querrey, ranked 65…
Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom
VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $10,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony May 8 in Oxnard, the Ventura County Office of Education presented 14 IMPACT II grants to 23…
Bilingual report: Sheriff’s Office urges drivers and bicyclists to ‘Share the Road’
CAMARILLO — May is National Bicycle Safety Month and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers and bicyclists to share the road safely not just for the month of May, but every month of the year. “It is not just cars…
More than 72 Percent of Properties Eligible for State Debris Removal Program Cleared of Woolsey, Hill Fire Debris
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have cleared eligible debris from more than 72 percent of the properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires that are currently participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris Removal Operations…
Fresh Strawberries Kick off the Summer Season in Oxnard with Fun Events for the Whole Family
OXNARD — With the California Strawberry Festival about to take center stage on May 18-19, the summer season is also right around the corner and Oxnard is ready to welcome visitors with its many special events taking place throughout the city.…
Take 5 And Read To Kids! Campaign Coming to a Library near you!
VENTURA COUNTY — The fourth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids campaign, a partnership between the Ventura County Star and First 5 Ventura County to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy is coming to Ventura County…
Community Partners to be Honored May 8 at United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 96th Annual Awards Celebration
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has announced the nominees for their 96th Annual Awards Celebration, taking place May 8th at the Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort. Local volunteers, businesses, schools, and organizations will be recognized…
Museum of Ventura County update for May 2 — Women Beyond Borders Opening Reception + Weekend Events!
Join us at the Museum of Ventura County this Friday, May 3, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and be among the first to view the new exhibit, “Women Beyond Borders.” This extraordinary exhibition displays boxes created by women…
May at The Marjorie Luke Theatre!
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Michael Andrews speaks on The Luke Theatre’s impact on Santa Barbara’s youth and how the Boxtales Theatre Company have found a summer home in The Luke. Upcoming Events Don Quixote Saturday & Sunday,…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Fire reminds the public to clear brush ahead of fire season
CAMARILLO — Thousands of letters have been sent to homeowners and property managers reminding them to clear 100 feet of brush away from their properties by June 1, 2019. More than 18,400 parcels will receive Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP)…
Bilingual commentary: The Burning Cathedral
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local 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 •…
Carnegie Art Museum update for April 25 — Family Day on April 27
Click here for the entire e-newsletter ARTISTS’ GALLERY TALK To Live a Life Beneath, oil on Belgian linen, 48″ x 36,” by Alexandra Manukyan, 2018. Adonna Khare & Alexandra Manukyan Thursday, April 25 6pm $5 general/members free reservations appreciated…
Over 2,200 Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Victims Helped by Coalition For Family Harmony in 2018
OXNARD — The Coalition For Family Harmony, which provides victims of family violence with the means to help them escape their life of abuse, provided direct services to 1,865 domestic violence victims and 375 sexual assault victims in 2018. Part…
Jackson Legislation to Combat Tobacco Waste Passes Key Committee
SACRAMENTO — State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s legislation to combat tobacco waste by establishing a comprehensive tobacco waste reduction program passed out of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee today on a 5 to 1 vote. Cigarette butts are the most common…
Museum of Ventura County update for April 24 — Brothers Fortune kicks off the Agriculture Museum Concert Series!
Join us at the Museum of Ventura County on Friday, May 3, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and be among the first to view the new exhibit, “Women Beyond Borders.” This extraordinary exhibition displays boxes created by women…
Jackson Bill to Strengthen Family Leave Advances
Would make CA first in nation to expand job-protected baby bonding leave to caring adults other than the parent SACRAMENTO – Building on Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to expand paid family leave, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) legislation to strengthen California’s…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria names new Executive Director
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria this week announced the appointment of nonprofit and youth services leader Jamie Balch Collins as the organization’s new executive director. She will begin serving in her new role on May 6. Collins will lead…
Marjorie Luke Theatre update for April 19 — Big Fish: The Musical
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Who Will Write Our History, May 21st, 2019 7PM Click Here To Buy Tickets Today! Upcoming Events Big Fish: The Musical Wed. April 24 7pm, Fri. April 26th 7pm, Sat. April 27th 1pm…
20 PVHS and SMHS students recently attended the Los Danzantes De Atzlan Folklorico Workshop
SANTA MARIA —About 20 PVHS and SMHS students recently attended the Los Danzantes De Atzlan Folklorico Workshop with world famous Ballet Folklorico National of Mexico Director Silvia Lozano at Fresno State University. The environment allowed the dancers to learn more…
Vote Now To Select Oxnard Salsa Festival’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ Fan Favorite
OXNARD — Community members get to vote for their favorite band in the Oxnard Salsa Festival’s first “Battle of the Bands” contest. The band with the most votes will perform at this year’s festival. The 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival…
Nearly 160 Final Inspection Reports for Properties Affected by Woolsey Fire Submitted to Counties
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State officials at the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas have submitted final inspection reports to local officials in Los Angeles and Ventura counties for nearly 160 properties affected by the Woolsey Fire that have completed…
Carnegie Art Museum update for April 18 — Museum closed in observance of Easter Sunday, April 21
Click here for the entire e-newsletter GUIDED MEDITATION Wednesday, April 24 6-7 pm | ages 13 to adult $5 donation / members $3 Buddhist Meditation is an ancient set of teachings, which enables the practitioner to connect body and mind…
Santa Paula Art Museum update for April 16 — Here are the Museum’s top 3 moments from the past week
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM JEANETTE COLE ART CENTER & COLE CREATIVITY CENTER Here are the Museum’s top 3 moments from the past week: Museum staff took a field trip to Blanchard Community Library to show their support for the 82nd…
United Way of Ventura County update for April 16 — Taking Care of Our Mother
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, On May 10, the Friday before Mother’s Day, we will have our third annual Women United luncheon. Did you know that in order for a single mother to support…
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Simi Valley hold Job Fair on April 18, 19
SIMI VALLEY — Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, the extreme-value grocery retailer, is opening its latest store in SIMI VALLEY this coming May. The store owner-operators, David and Heather Rodriguez, will be hiring up to 30 positions, focusing on local hiring at a…
VCCDC update for April 12 — Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE upcoming workshops ranging from Estate Planning to Homebuyer Education!
Upcoming Workshops Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE upcoming workshops ranging from Estate Planning to Homebuyer Education! REGISTER NOW Know Your Rights – Fair Housing Speaker: Gabriela Muñoz, Homeownership Specialist Cost: Free Date: Tuesday, April 30 Time: 6pm – 7pm Where:…
Carnegie Art Museum update for April 11 — The Children’s Workshop
Click here for the entire e-newsletter THE CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP FREE ART WORKSHOPS Ages 8-10 Tuesdays 3:30-5:00 p.m. Imagine, create and spark lifelong connections with art at the CAM! Join Ojai Artist and educator Heidi Bradbury and experienced…
A chance to learn what it takes to become a certified “B Corp” at CSUCI event on April 15
CAMARILLO — Employees at Patagonia Ventura can visit their young children during work at an on-site child care facility. They get a stipend for carpooling, biking or walking to work. Since the company was founded, it has given away more than…
Pioneer Valley High School Boys’ Basketball Camp seek youth basketball hoopsters April 25, 26
SANTA MARIA — Youth basketball hoopsters wanted April 25thand 26th. The Pioneer Valley High School Boys’ Basketball Camp will host two clinics for youngsters (5thgrade and older) who are interested in learning the solid fundamentals of the game. The sessions are…
Nearly 200,000 Tons of Debris from Woolsey and Hill Fires Removed by State Contractors
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed nearly 200,000 tons of debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from private properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since debris removal operations began on February 6, officials with the Debris Removal…
Museum of Ventura County update for April 10 — 2nd Annual VUSD Art Show Opening Reception
TOMORROW! Please join the Museum of Ventura County’s Latino Advisory Committee for an after work mixer on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Learn more about the Museum’s reinvention plan, the role of this important advisory…
Santa Barbara Bowl Hosts 3000 Santa Barbara Students at Kids at the Bowl
The April 8 event featured The Alley Cats and UCSB Dance Company in two high-energy performances SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Bowl announced today that, in collaboration with the Children’s Creative Project, they presented The Alley Cats, a cappella group from Los Angeles, performing with the…
Santa Paula Art Museum update for April 8 — We’ve Got a Kiln!
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM JEANETTE COLE ART CENTER & COLE CREATIVITY CENTER Here are the Museum’s top 5 moments from the past week: We’ve Got a Kiln! This week the Museum was gifted a kiln from an absolutely wonderful donor…
Carnegie Art Museum update for April 4 — HOME is where the heART is
Click here for the entire e-newsletter HOME is where the heART is Carnegie Art Museum Cornerstones FUNDRAISER Sunday, May 5, 2019 3-5pm at the Ventura home of Virginia Beale for museum members & their guests. Adults only please. (ages…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Seeking New ‘I Have a Friend’ Program Mentors
SANTA BARBARA — “Will I ever be normal again?” Those words, spoken almost 20 years ago by a 12-year-old boy whose father had recently died, sparked the creation of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s innovative “I Have a Friend®” mentor program.…
April Happenings in Downtown Oxnard
Click here for the entire e-newsletter HOME FOOD SHOPS EVENTS First Thursdays Food Fest Tonight The 805’s first monthly food truck festival brings in more than a dozen gourmet trucks featuring international savory and sweet choices including Okamoto Kitchen,…
Graduating students of the Resident Leadership Academy celebrate spirit of community through local change
VENTURA COUNTY — Sponsored by Ventura County Public Health (VCPH), the Ventura County RLA is a 10-session comprehensive curriculum that encourages community residents to reduce health disparities and inequities by encouraging healthy eating, physical activity and public safety through policy…
Bilingual commentary: And Our Words Becomes Flesh
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local 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 •…
CenCal Health Announces New Medical Director: Pediatrics Specialist “Dr. Patty” Joins Regional Health Plan
CENTRAL COAST — CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, recently welcomed pediatrics specialist Dr. Patricia Auchard to its organization as CenCal Health Medical Director. Reporting to Dr. Takashi Michael Wada,…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Accepting Registrations for the 2019 Co-ed Basketball League
THOUSAND OAKS — Registration is now underway for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) 2019 Co-ed Basketball League. The league takes place from April 21 through May 26 and is open to youth ages 3-12. Practice and…
On Equal Pay Day, Jackson’s Bill to Close the Wage Gap with Data to be Voted on Key Committee
SACRAMENTO — On Equal Pay Day April 2, the day that represents how far into the next year women must work to earn what men did in the prior year, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s legislation to require California’s larger employers…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Dedicates the New John L. Notter Family Boys & Girls Club during Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
THOUSAND OAKS — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) introduced the John L. Notter Family Boys & Girls Club in Thousand Oaks to the community during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 20 at the club…
Friendship Center of Santa Barbara update for April 1 — Celebrating National Volunteer Month
Click here for the entire e-newsletter We Love Volunteers! Celebrating National Volunteer Month Today’s blog post, celebrating National Volunteer Month, comes from Montecito Program Manager, Kathryn Cherkas, MIPH. People often ask me about volunteer opportunities at Friendship…
Bilingual report: Comfort by the pair for Ventura County homeless residents
VENTURA — Sometimes the small things make a big difference. For many people without a permanent home, a pair of clean, warm socks brings comfort that the more fortunate take for granted. The Ventura County Continuum of Care recently applied…
Spotlight on over 40 businesses supporting resource families in Ventura County; businesses provide discounts to resource families caring for children and teens
Foster VC Kids “Businesses With Heart” program shows how local businesses are stepping up to encourage and support youth and the resource families caring for them. VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Children and Family Services’ Foster VC Kids Businesses with Heart…
Bilingual commentary: A Daughter’s Choice
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local 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 •…
Many Mansions, Assistance League of Ventura County and The Discovery Centers of Science and Technology to benefit from proceeds of 2019 Rebozo Festival on May 19
OXNARD — Rebozo Festival, Inc. is pleased to announce its 15th Anniversary, which will be held on Sunday, May 19th, 2019 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Camarillo Ranch. Proceeds from the 2019 Rebozo Festival will benefitPrimary Recipient: Many Mansions,…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Holds 16th Annual Superstars of the Year Celebration and Announce Winners of Youths of the Year
AGOURA — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are pleased to announce the Youth of the Year winners for 2018. The winners were recognized at the 16thAnnual Superstars of the Year Celebration, which took place on March…
Jackson Bill To Reduce Gun Violence Passes Key Committee
SACRAMENTO — State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 55, which would restrict gun ownership among Californians with repeated convictions of certain alcohol offenses, passed the Senate Public Safety Committee today on a 5-1 vote. The bill is based on…