By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Chocolates and flowers may be staples of Valentine’s Day, but many couples take it one step further and dine out on February 14. According to the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association’s Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions…
Category: Family
Local news briefs
SANTA BARBARA — The University of California at Santa Barbara has been officially recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities. UCSB joins Riverside, Santa Cruz and Merced campuses as Hispanic-Serving Institutions. With six Nobel…
Local health information
> The Ventura County Health Care Agency provides a calendar of upcoming health events, including flu clinics during February, at http://www.vchca.org/events En español > Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health…
Bilingual commentary: Free community college — Doing our homework
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 Certainly,…
CSU Channel Islands confirms a case of measles. Seeks to warn students
Second incident reported this week in Camarillo Also see: > Ventura County Public Health reports five cases of measles confirmed, including one in Camarillo CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) has confirmed that a student who does not live on campus has…
United Way of Ventura County calls on community for support for families displaced by fire in Oxnard
OXNARD — An Oxnard apartment fire on Friday, Jan. 9 has displaced 33 people, 17 adults and 16 children, all of whom have shown great fortitude in facing the loss of their homes and all of their belongings, the United…
Next Ventura County Foster Care Informational meeting to be held Jan. 27 in Ventura
VENTURA COUNTY — Foster VC Kids is holding a series of Ventura County Foster Parent Informational meetings on from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 27, Feb. 24, April 28, May 19 and June 30 at the Human Services Agency, 855…
Friends of Ben Saiz establish Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation
VENTURA — Friends of Ben Saiz have established the Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation, organizers reported in a media release. Please help us with a tax-deductible donation, or please forward to anyone who may be interested in…
Bilingual report: emPower hosts Spanish language home energy workshop on Jan. 12 in Oxnard
OXNARD — emPower Ventura County invites local Spanish speaking homeowners to learn how emPower can help them access easy and affordable home energy upgrades during a free dinner workshop from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 at the Oxnard Public Library, Salon B,…
Mariachi Flor de Toloache to perform at La Fonda De Rey in Oxnard on Jan. 13
OXNARD — Mariachi Flor de Toloache will hold a special performance at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 at La Fonda De Rey, 455 S. A St., Oxnard. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. CDs, t-shirts and other collectables…
Bilingual report: The Wellness Center / El Centro de Bienestar in Oxnard to launch Latino Indiginous Program in Spanish starting Jan. 13
OXNARD — The Wellness Center / El Centro de Bienestar in Oxnard will launch a Latino Indiginous Program in Spanish from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting Jan. 13 at 2697 Saviers Road in the Centerpoint Mall, Oxnard.…
January cover story: Hunger in the 805 region — an ongoing concern
Food drives during the holidays help, but don’t solve daily issue for those in need By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It was a bountiful gathering, nearly 200,000 pounds of food collected during the weekend of Dec. 5-7 to provide…
Health: Immunizations important for adults, too
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) New parents can easily become overwhelmed by the number of pediatrician visits their children need. By the time a child celebrates his or her fifth birthday, he or she has seemingly been administered dozens of…
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 January in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-01 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! to present Mariachi Flor de Toloache Jan. 9 through 11
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! will present Mariachi Flor de Toloache at 7 p.m. Friday at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road; at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St.; and at…
Letter from Supervisor Zaragoza
As the year 2014 comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude; I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve the residents and businesses of the Fifth District as your representative on the County Board of Supervisors.…
Extraordinary service at El Centrito wins Ventura County mother prestigious volunteer award
OXNARD — Maria Teresa Torres, a parent and volunteer, has received The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation’s prestigious Halo Award for her outstanding service with El Centrito Family Learning Centers, the organization reported this week in a media release. For her work training parents…
MICOP to present ‘Pasatono Orquesta’ at Oxnard College on Dec. 15
OXNARD — The Mixteco / Indígena Community Organizing Project, the Latino Performing Arts Institute at Oxnard College and the Oxnard College Arts Collaborative will present “Pasatono Orquesta” at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building,…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing, USDA hand house keys to 12 Atascadero families
ATASCADERO — Twelve families who worked together to build the majority of their brand new homes under the supervision of Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) received the keys to their homes during a ceremony held on Dec. 4, the organization reported this…
Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard to present opening reception for ‘Monumentum: Drawings + Paintings by Ramon Ramirez’ on Dec. 13
OXNARD — The Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard will present “Monumentum: Drawings + Paintings by Ramon Ramirez,” with the opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at 424 S. C. St., Oxnard. The exhibit will open Dec. 14…
December cover story: Holiday charity event ready to hit the streets
Santa to the Sea Half-Marathon on Dec. 14 to benefit numerous charities in the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It’s beginning to look a lot like — breathing hard, wheezing, thirst and aching muscles. Yes, ’tis the season…
Commentary: Holiday celebrations keep on growing in the 805 region
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The mystery and the magic of the holiday season is upon us with groups planning celebrations up and down the coast. The first weekend in December typically marks the beginning of holiday celebrations in…
Finance: 7 tips for keeping holiday budgets (and your holiday spirit) intact
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) “No one is so poor that he can’t give a smile, nor so rich that he doesn’t need it.” — Anonymous Holidays are exciting — family visits and special once-a-year meals, celebrating traditions together…
Oxnard College’s Latino Thought Maker Series to present ‘Sweet 15’ on Dec. 4
OXNARD — Oxnard College will present the next Latino Thought Makers Series event “Sweet 15” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The free special presentation of Rick Najera’s…
7th annual Oxnard Tamale Festival to be held at Plaza Park on Dec. 6
OXNARD — The Seventh annual Oxnard Tamale Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard. Presented by City of Oxnard Recreation & Community Services and Oxnard College, the free…
Guest commentary: I am thankful my Chicano sons are alive
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor I am…
Guest commentary: Acuna Art Gallery at Café on A in Oxnard needs your support
To Friends of the Café on A: You are probably aware of the work that we have been doing in the greater Oxnard community for two decades. About 15 years ago we, with the help of people like you, we…
Bilingual commentary: Do men “Protect” women?
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor The…
Oxnard College to present Mariachi Aguilas de México, Ballet Folklórico Mestizo Nov. 21 through 23
OXNARD — Oxnard College will present a weekend of traditional Mexican music and dance featuring Mariachi Aguilas de México, with a special performance by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 and 5 p.m.…
Nominations close Nov. 14 for El Concilio Family Services’ 2015 Latino Leadership Award
OXNARD — Nominations close at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 for the 2015 Latino Leadership Awards presented by El Concilio Family Services. The Latino Leadership Awards were established in 1990 in order to recognize Individuals or organizations that have made…
Grupo Yodoquinsi to present ‘An offering for our ancestors’ at the Bell Arts Factory on Nov. 10
VENTURA — Grupo Yodoquinsi from Mexico will present a free ‘An offering for our ancestors’ performance at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura. The group will perform with all prehispanic instruments, reports…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present ‘A Journey Through Brazil and Haiti with Alafia Dance Ensemble’ on Nov. 14
SANTA BARBARA – The UCSB Multicultural Center will present “A Journey Through Brazil and Haiti with Alafia Dance Ensemble” at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 at the MCC Theater, UCSB. Alafia Dance Ensemble delivers program of music and dance from Brazil…
November cover story: Groups in region busy helping those in need
Food banks, private businesses, others lending aid this holiday season By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While hunger and finding a safe and warm place to sleep remain year-round challenges for many people in the 805 region, the need is…
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. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-11 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
Commentary: Día de los Muertos has arrived. Variety of events scheduled for 805 region
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 You can almost feel it. That special time of year when the veil between life and death is at its thinnest. Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead is upon us with a number of…
Bilingual commentary: The capacity to learn
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 Recently…
Acuña Art Gallery @ Café on A to hold reception for ‘Collective Voices-Abundant Years’ exhibit on Oct. 24
OXNARD — The Acuña Art Gallery @ Café on A will hold a reception for the “Collective Voices-Abundant Years” exhibit at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at 438 S. A St., Oxnard. The exhibit, continuing through Nov. 23, is curated by…
Inlakech Cultural Arts Center to present final free Día de los Muertos workshop on Oct. 25 in Oxnard
OXNARD — The Inlakech Cultural Arts Center will present the final free Saturday Día de los Muertos workshop on Oct. 25 in Oxnard. The workshop isin preparation for the 7th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, Nov. 1 at…
Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Free Family Days — Día de los Muertos’ on Oct. 26
SANTA BARBARA — The 25th annual “Free Family Days — Día de los Muertos” will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. The event includes…
CSU Channel Islands to hold sixth annual ‘Day of the Dead: Celebration of Life’ on Oct. 27
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the campus and community to join in the sixth annual “Day of the Dead: Celebration of Life,” on Monday, Oct. 27, at the John Spoor Broome Library, the university reported in a media release. Presented…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present ‘Contra-Tiempo Urban Latin Dance Theater – Transforming the World Through Dance’ Oct. 17-19
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! will present Contra-Tiempo Urban Latin Dance Theater in free family performances and dance classes Oct. 17-19 in Santa Barbara County. Dedicated to transforming the world through dance and committed to making their…
Santa Paula Museum of Art to present opening reception of the 21st annual De Colores Art Show on Oct. 18
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Art Museum will present the opening reception for the 21st De Colores Art Show — “In Search of Magulandia,” from noon to 4 p.m Saturday, Oct. 18 at 117 N.10th St., downtown Santa Paula.…
‘Tres Vidas’ with story lines featuring Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Rufina Amaya to be presented by CLU’s Chamber Music Theatre on Oct. 10
THOUSAND OAKS — ‘Tres Vidas’ with story lines featuring Frida Kahlo, Rufina Amaya and Alfonsina Storni, will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 at California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks in the Samuelson Chapel. Presented by…
October cover story: De Colores Art Show honors Gilbert ‘Magu’ Luján
Exhibit at the Santa Paula Art Museum celebrates 21st year in the city For the 21st year, Santa Paula will play host to the De Colores Art Show, an event that brings together the works of artist from throughout Ventura…
Día de los Muertos time is rapidly approaching
Workshops already in progress to prepare items for Day of the Dead celebrations throughout the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Soon the aroma of marigolds and copal incense will waft through the air, beckoning spirits to cross over…
Local news briefs
SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is seeking produce donors and volunteers for the Foodbank Backyard Bounty Day on Saturday, Oct. 25. Foodbank is calling out to community members with harvest sites (orchards or gardens) in south Santa…
Commentary: As Hispanic high school dropout rates fall, 4-year degrees lag
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Given all the news that funding for public education continues to suffer from the “Cut government spending” crowd, it is surprising that a new Pew Research Center report indicates that Hispanics and blacks are…
Health: Avoid Halloween makeup allergies and other reactions
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) What are the horrors of Halloween? Many might say encountering a gruesome ghoul or a blood-sucking vampire is the most horrific part of the holiday. However, an allergic reaction can be just as scary as…
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 October in various locations in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-10 to find times, dates and locations of upcoming…
City of Oxnard to present 19th annual Multicultural Festival on Oct. 4
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will present the 19th Annual Multicultural Festival at its new location at Collection Park at The Collection at Riverpark, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Admission is free. Free parking is…