VENTURA — The Human Services Agency announced that as of June 1, 2019, Supplemental Security Income/Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) recipients may be eligible to receive CalFresh food benefits. CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, allowing individuals and families to afford nutritious food,…
Category: Food
Pesticide use remains near record high in California, state data show
Entries Now Open For 2019 Oxnard Salsa Festival’s “Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge”
July 11 — International Hot Sauce Competition, Cash Prize Cornhole Tournament: Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night Festival
July 15 — FOXEN Wine Dinner at The Monarch at Montecito Inn
July 19-20 — Kessler-Haak pouring @ CA Wine Festival in Santa Barbara
July 20-21 — Colors by the Sea Summer Art Walk & Music Fest
July 27-28 — 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival
OXNARD — Groove to hot Latin sounds and indulge in spicy culinary flavors at the 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival. The festival, July 27 and 28, is a celebration of all things salsa–the food, music and dance. Festivities take place…
July 30 — Shalhoob Meat Company Launches New Beer Line with Can Cracking Celebration
Casa Pacifica Prepares for Biggest Fundraiser of the Year – The Award Winning Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival on June 2
CSUCI receives grant to support food program for students
Farmers Markets Offer Extra Money to CalFresh Clients during CalFresh Awareness Month
Finalists Are Set for the 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival’s ‘Berry Blast Off’ Recipe Contest
June 9 — Rotary Club of Ojai-West presents The 33rd Annual Ojai Wine Festival
OJAI — For 33 years, the Ojai Wine Festival has served as the primary non-profit fundraising effort of the Rotary Club of Ojai-West Foundation and its numerous philanthropic endeavors, from Girl’s Empowerment Workshops to helping aid local communities in Thomas…
June 15, 16 — Local Business and Nonprofit Partner to Collect Backyard Produce for Those in Need
Jackson Legislation to Combat Tobacco Waste Passes Key Committee
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market to open newest store on April 25 in Camarillo
Vote Now To Select Oxnard Salsa Festival’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ Fan Favorite
May 18-19 — 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival
OXNARD — Kick off summer at the 36th California Strawberry Festival. Indulge in chocolate dipped strawberries, strawberry margaritas, strawberry pizza and dozens of other strawberry treats at the two-day festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19 at Strawberry Meadows/College…
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,…
Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association Announces New Location & New Hours for the Thousand Oaks Market Held at the Oaks Shopping Center
Relocation Move Date Set for March 21 THOUSAND OAKS — The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market held at the Oaks Shopping Center will soon have a new location and new market hours. The Thousand Oaks market, operated by the Ventura County…
Pioneer Valley High School students donating to Good Samaritan Shelter
SANTA MARIA — Students at PVHS will bring a touch of home to the Good Samaritan Shelter on Thursday, March 7th. Carrying 75 hand-made pillows and containers of chicken tortilla soup, the students from PV’s Culinary Arts and Apparel Construction and…
2019 California Strawberry Festival Seeks Submissions for Berry Blast Off Recipe Contest
OXNARD — Entry applications are now available for the 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival‘s “Berry Blast Off Recipe Contest.” Strawberry-themed recipes that show exceptional creativity and culinary flair will be selected to compete in the contest. Submissions must be original,…
Bilingual commentary: When Diet Is Our Religion
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 •…
Assemblymember Limón Introduces New Legislation for Agricultural Climate Change Adaptation Tools
SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 409 by Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) which seeks to make climate change adaptation tools more readily available to farmers and agricultural businesses was introduced. California is home to just over 77,000 farms and ranches and as a…
March 10 — Camarillo Old Town Association’s 4th Annual Beer March Pairs Over 20 Craft Breweries with Downtown Businesses on March 10th for a Fun Community Day
CAMARILLO — Camarillo Old Town Association’s 4th Annual Beer March Pairs Over 20 Craft Breweries with Downtown Businesses on March 10th for a Fun Community Day WHAT: The Camarillo Old Town Association’s (COTA) 4th Annual Beer March will feature over…
36th Annual California Strawberry Festival Seeks Sponsors
OXNARD — The 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival, taking place May 18 and 19 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard, is seeking corporate sponsors and exhibitors. Each year, the festival attracts nearly 60,000 visitors. Festivalgoers come from throughout…
Bilingual report: Volunteers needed for annual homeless count in Ventura County
VENTURA — Community volunteers are needed for the annual count and survey of homeless persons in Ventura County. The 2019 Ventura County Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 2019. The annual Homeless Count is…
Bring Your Appetite and Head to Oxnard …. Oxnard Restaurant Week 2019 “Tacos, Treats & Tastings” Takes Place Jan. 18-27
OXNARD — Put the diet aside and treat yourself to a culinary feast during Oxnard Restaurant Week 2019, “Tacos, Treats & Tastings”. The week-long celebration spotlights Oxnard’s culinary culture taking place Friday, January 18, 2019 through Sunday, January 27, 2019. Many of…
Bilingual report: Through Feb. 16 — Food for Fines week at Ventura County Library
VENTURA COUNTY — Food for Fines week at Ventura County Library is February 10 – 16, 2019:Ventura County Library, in partnership with FOOD Share Ventura County, is offering customers the ability to return overdue items along with canned food donations to…
Pioneer Valley High School culinary arts students learn about food handing production
SANTA MARIA — Culinary Arts students at Pioneer Valley High School are getting a first-hand look at how a restaurant handles food production in an effort to help them prepare and earn a ServSafe Managers Certificate. The certificate, which is valid…
Bilingual report: Food benefits now available for Ventura County wildfire victims
SACRAMENTO –The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced that, as part of the continuing disaster recovery effort, individuals and families impacted by the wildfires in Ventura County may be eligible to receive one month of Disaster CalFresh food…
Fundraiser raises more than 1.1M for United Way So. Cal Fire Relief Fund
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — The Fire Relief Fund multi-platform fundraising event on Nov. 14 , hosted by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Rams, CBS 2 and KCAL 9, raised over $1,173,905 (as of midnight, so likely…
United Way of Ventura County update for Nov. 14 — Disaster Relief Fund
Community Invited Back to Continue Taking Action on Food System in Santa Barbara County
SB County residents and organizations encouraged to join in network for a sustainable food future for Santa Barbara County Tuesday, November 13, 2018 6 PM – 8 PM Santa Barbara Public Library Faulkner Gallery Building Our Resilient Food System: Cultivating…
Carnegie Art Museum update — Día de los Muertos Free Family Day on Nov. 3
Click here for the entire e-newsletter UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS Free Family Day Saturday, November 3 noon- 3 pm Free The Carnegie Art Museum celebrates Día de los Muertos as we honor our departed ones through music, dance and a variety of…
Through Dec. 12 — Tis the Season – Oxnard Gears up to Celebrate the Holidays!
OXNARD — Oxnard transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with festive events ranging from massive light displays to strolling trolley tours and tempting tamales. The fun kicks off with the 68th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony set for Friday,…
Dec. 15 — Come Fight Hunger, Harvest Food and Build Community!
VENTURA — Come Fight Hunger, Harvest Food and Build Community by volunteering for Food Forward Backyard Harvest, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11:30 Via Del Rey, Goleta. We will be collecting these beautiful fresh fruit that would otherwise go…
Through Dec. 20 — Thousand Oaks Certified Farmers’ Market Extends their Market Season for the Holidays
THOUSAND OAKS — The Thousand Oaks Certified Farmers’ Market will extend their market season with a special ‘Holiday Farmers’ Market’ at the Oaks Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks. The market will run through December 20 at a new location with special…
Carnegie Art Museum update for Oct. 25 — Day of the Dead Altar / Ofrenda, other upcoming events
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Day of the Dead Altar/Ofrenda Carnegie Art Museum’s Día de Los Muertos Altar presented at the 2018 Fiesta Noche de Recuerdos on October 20th, honors several who gave notable service to the community,…
Nov. 3 — 2018 Día de los Muertos Celebracion to be in Camarillo
CAMARILLO — The 2018 Día de los Muertos Celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory in Camarillo. Presented by Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory and the Inlakech…
Nov. 11 — Come celebrate 6 years of harvesting food and fighting hunger together!
SANTA PAULA — Agricultural abundance is the legacy of Southern California, and it’s what makes Food Forward’s work possible still today. That’s especially true in Ventura County, where our organization has flourished over the past 6 years, redistributing over 1 million pounds…
Nov. 20 — Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service to be held in Santa Barbara
A community celebration of our common bonds of caring SANTA BARBARA — All are invited to gather together in gratitude for the resilience and compassion expressed throughout our larger community this past year. Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will…
Through Oct. 24 — Food Forward Recovers Thousands Of Pounds Of Fresh Produce, Donates to Local Hunger Relief Organizations as part of Glean805
VENTURA COUNTY — Food Forward, a Regional Gleaning Organization Recovers Thousands Of Pounds Of Fresh Produce That Otherwise Would Go To Waste And In Turn, Donates This Abundance To Local Hunger Relief Organizations During Fall Campaign, Glean805: Harvest For The Hungry. Glean805…
Winners Named in Oxnard Salsa Festival’s Salsa Recipe Contest/Professional Division
OXNARD — Judges spent two hours sampling salsas before casting their votes for winners in the 2018 Oxnard Salsa Festival’s Salsa Recipe Contest/Professional Division. The contest took place July 12 at La Dolce Vita in Oxnard’s Heritage Square. The 11…
Aug. 17 — Kickback at the PACC
OXNARD — Looking for some summer night fun!? Join for live music, guests DJ sets, arts activities + installations, food trucks + beer garden, artisan marketplace and MUCH MORE from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800…
Famous Chef and GranVida Resident Shares His Favorite Summer Salad Recipe
GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care resident Julien Stuart brings his worldly charm and taste for fine dining to the residents of Carpinteria through cooking classes CARPINTERIA — GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care resident Julien Stuart has lived quite…
Oxnard Salsa Festival Announces Participants For Its “Dancing With Our Community Stars Contest and Charity Fundraiser”
OXNARD — Five community leaders will take the stage and dance for charity during the “2018 Dancing With Our Community Stars Dance Contest and Charity Fundraiser,” Sunday, July 29 at 1 p.m. during the 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival in…
Oxnard Salsa Festival update for June 20
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Put your salsa recipe to the test! Show off your homemade salsa, if it’s worth a dip, then prove it by entering the Oxnard Salsa Challenge of 2018 – Amateur Division recipe competition…
Entries Now Open For 2018 “Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge”
OXNARD — Do your friends rave about your homemade salsa? Now is the time to let the world know about your creation. Make plans to enter the “Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge” taking place Sunday, July 29 during the 25th Annual…
July 21 — Downtown Ventura Farmers’ Market Welcomes Children’s Book Author offering ‘Spicy’ Tales & Recipes
VENTURA — The community is invited to listen as author Dr. Kathleen Contreras reads from her new bilingual book, Harvesting Friends/Cosechando Amigos when she visits the Downtown Ventura Farmers’ Market held on East Santa Clara & Palm Streets on Saturday, July…
Oxnard School District announces Summer Nutrition Program offered at select locations
OXNARD — The Oxnard School District’s Child Nutrition Services department will offer a Summer Nutrition program at five school sites and three community beginning on Monday, July 2, 2018 and ending on Friday, July 27, 2018. Studies show that children are…
25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival Seeks Sponsors
OXNARD — Sponsorship applications are being accepted for the 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival. The festival attracts over 40,000 attendees who love all things salsa–dance, music and food. The event is July 28 and 29, 2018 at Plaza Park, (Fifth…
Spring Season Brings Changes to the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association
VENTURA — Spring brings fresh offerings and changes to the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA). With the unpredictable weather over the last year, the season has changed and is affecting many of the fruits and their cycles. Farmers…
Bilingual report: Food benefits available for California Wildfire, and/or Mudslide victims
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced that individuals and families impacted by the wildfires and/or mudslides in Santa Barbara or Ventura Counties may be eligible to receive one month of Disaster CalFresh food assistance. A family…
Uber Eats Launches in Ventura County
New App Makes Getting Great Food as Easy as Getting a Ride VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County residents and visitors can now order much of their favorite food from local restaurants and have it delivered by Uber Eats seven days a…
OC LIVE to present the film screening of ‘SEED: The Untold Story’ on Feb. 7
Hello OC and friends of OC! Coming up this Wednesday, February 7, we will host a special OC LIVE film screening. We are showing SEED: The Untold Story in the Performing Arts Building, with discussion led by OC Professor of Sociology Dolores Ortiz. Please support the Social…
The Ventura College Campus Community Launches the “Pirates Treasure Chest”
VENTURA — In an effort to provide support for victims of the Thomas Fire, Ventura College has created a donation site called the Ventura College Pirates Treasure Chest. The Pirates Treasure Chest is located at Guthrie Hall and will be open Tuesday, Dec. 12 and…
Through Jan. 28 — Enjoy Oxnard’s Culinary Side during ‘Oxnard Dine, Wine & Beer Week’
OXNARD – Both residents and visitors are invited to discover the many flavors of Oxnard during “Oxnard Dine, Wine & Beer Week” taking place January 19-28, 2018. A variety of unchained and unique restaurants throughout Oxnard will participate providing foodies with…
10th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration returns to Conejo Mountain Memorial Park on Nov. 4
CAMARILLO — 10th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration returns to Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo. “Hasta La Muerte — Comida, Altars, Prayers, Laughter…
Dec. 21 — Thousand Oaks Farmer’s Market Brings ‘Good Tidings’ During the Holiday Season Holiday “Boutique” Mini Market will take Place at The Oaks Shopping Center
THOUSAND OAKS — To help ‘tide shoppers over through the holidays’, the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) is partnering with the Oaks Shopping Center to offer a four week long special event, “Holiday Boutique Mini Farmers’ Market”. The market…
Dole Packaged Foods, FOOD Share Inc. launch ‘Ray of Sunshine’ food drive
CAMARILLO — Dole Packaged Foods and FOOD Share Inc. launched their “Ray of Sunshine” kick-off event on Oct. 6 at Tierra Linda Elementary School in Camarillo. The event announce Dole’s extended partnership with FOOD Share Inc. and the Ray of Sunshine food drive,…
Nov. 21 — Interfaith Thanksgiving Service — A community celebration of the diversity of faiths
SANTA BARBARA — All are invited to give thanks for our shared humanity and our common goals for peace at the annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, November 21st, at 7 p.m. at the downtown, historic First United Methodist Church. The…
Downtown Ventura Farmers’ Market to Close During the Ventura County Fair Parade
VENTURA — The Downtown Ventura Farmers’ Market will close during the Ventura County Fair Parade on Saturday, August 5 and will reopen again the following Saturday, August 12. The Downtown Ventura Saturday Farmers’ Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon…
Oxnard Salsa Challenge of 2017 — Last call for entries
View the entire e-newsletter here It’s Time To Claim Your Fame! You can claim your bragging rights by entering your fabulous salsa recipe in the showdown of the year – the Oxnard Salsa Challenge of 2017 – Amateur Division…
State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson’s Bill to Ensure Healthy After School Program for Kids Advances
SB 55 seeks to build on an existing program created by Jackson legislation to prevent childhood obesity SACRAMENTO – A bill by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to extend a program that encourages healthy eating and exercise in California’s after school programs…
July 8 — The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Rolls into Oxnard
OXNARD — The popular Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be making its first appearance in Oxnard on Saturday, July 8 at The Collection at RiverPark. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is a mobile vehicle of cuteness that offers a delicious…
July 11 — Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association & County of Ventura Team up to Host ‘Taste of Wellness Fair’
VENTURA — The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association and the County of Ventura Wellness Program are teaming up to host the ‘Taste of Wellness Fair’ on Tuesday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Government Center, 800…
July 19 — Dancing with our Community Stars Pre-Event — Salsa Suzie & Sours Benefit Mixer!
OXNARD — Oxnard Salsa Festival “Dancing with our Community Stars” Pre-Event — Salsa Suzie & Sours Benefit Mixer!, 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 at Casa Agria Brewery, 701 Del Norte Blvd., Oxnard. $30 per person, includes one drink…
FOOD Share launches 5th Annual CAN-tree Collection with kick-off breakfast on Oct. 13
Seeks 200,000 Pounds of Food to Restock Shelves VENTURA COUNTY — FOOD Share will launch its inaugural Share16 Holiday Campaign and 2016 CAN-tree Collection drive with a kick-off breakfast held at its warehouse on Thursday October 13th, 8:30am-9:30am. Community, business,…
Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen Opens the Doors at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on Sept. 9
OXNARD — Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen will be opening their newest location at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on Friday, September 9th. Introducing the hottest dining and live entertainment concept to Ventura County, Copper Blues is a…
Foodbank Needs Your Help to End Summer Hunger
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Seeks Donations by June 30 to Reach $100K Matching Grant SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is approaching the end of its End Summer Hunger campaign, a month-long campaign to raise $100K to help feed…
33rd annual California Strawberry Festival (May 21-22) benefits local charities, students
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…
Jess Ramirez Birthday Fiesta and Fundraiser for the Café on A on June 16
OXNARD — Join us in celebration of TATA LOUIE’S (AKA Jess Ramirez’s Birthday on June 16 at the beautiful Downtown La Fonda del Rey. Please join us in this great night of fun, entertainment, community support. It promises to be…
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…
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…
CenCal Health Partners with Community Action Commission of SB County and Senior Nutrition Program of SLO County to Bolster Meal Delivery Service for Seniors
SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – CenCal Health is partnering with the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County (CAC) and the Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo County to support their meal delivery services for seniors. On Jan.…
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 commentary: Obesity…And We Wonder Why?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor There was an interesting juxtaposition of articles in this past week’s Ventura County Star. One of them* was entitled “Americans becoming more obese,” as in, what else is new? In the same section of the newspaper, there…
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…
September cover story: Tackling hunger one ‘Spoon FULL’ at a time
FOOD Share, Ventura County’s Food Bank, launches ‘Spoon FULL a Day’ pledge during Hunger Action Month in September From Amigos805 staff reports While September is typically the time to think about the coming fall and back to school, advocates want…
July cover story: Cultural events heating up summer in 805 region
From performances by Teatro de las Américas to the Oxnard Salsa Festival and Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, events filling up summer season By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 From theatrical performances to moving to the salsa beat and…
Commentary: Peoples’ Self-Help Housing helps to fight summer brain drain
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 With statistics showing that children lose one to three months of learning during the summer when they are out of school, it’s vital that parents find alternatives to keep those young minds active and…
Local news briefs
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation awarded more than $563,000 in scholarships to 284 Ventura College students in May, the organization reported in a media release. Awards ranged from $500 to $9,500 and were presented by the foundation to recipients…
Sergio Arau, film director of ‘A Day Without a Mexican,’ to be keynote speaker at Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s 6th annual Currents of Change fundraiser on May 31 at Camarillo Ranch
CAMARILLO — Sergio Arau, film director of “A Day Without a Mexican,” will be the keynote speaker at Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s 6th annual Currents of Change fundraiser on from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 31 at Camarillo…
Bilingual commentary: ‘All You Can Eat’
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 Editor’s…
11th annual Rebozo Festival to be held in Camarillo on May 17
CAMARILLO — The Rebozo Festival will celebrate its “10-year Diamond Anniversary” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Camarillo Ranch, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo. The event will honor the “1st Annual Honorary Madrina of the Year” — the…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to present eighth annual Mariachi Encuentro featuring Mariachi Diva on May 9
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will present its eighth annual Mariachi Encuentro featuring Mariachi Divas from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus, 5315 Foothill Road, Carpinteria. Coinciding with Mother’s Day, Mariachi Encuentro is…
May cover story: Helping youth make the right lifestyle choices
Santa Barbara Healthy Futures program seeks to improve health options for Latino, other youth in the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 One in five children between the ages of 6 and 17 is now considered overweight in the…
Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Bellíssíma Italia’ on April 23
OXNARD —Teatro de las Américas will present “Bellíssíma Italia” from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 23 at the Condor Café at Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The gourmet dinner concert features the music and gastronomy of Italy.…
Health: Snack foods that promote better sleep
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) According to the National Sleep Foundation, changes in sleep patterns are a part of the aging process. Many people experience difficulty falling asleep and then staying asleep as they age, and that difficulty can make…
Café on A to present ‘La Cosecha / The Harvest’ photo exhibit, film screening on March 21
OXNARD — The Dr. Rodolfo F. Acuña Art Gallery & Cultural Center at Café on A will present “La Cosecha / The Harvest” photo exhibit and film screening from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at 438 S. A St.,…
Health: News for expectant Hispanic mothers
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Doctors are urging pregnant Hispanic women to be more aware of the potential birth defects that affect children of Hispanic mothers in seemingly higher rates than other ethnicities. According to a major finding in a…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas to present ‘A Night of Boleros — Our Parents’ Songs’ at Oxnard College on March 5
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas will present “A Night of Boleros — Our Parents’ Songs” from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Teatro de las Américas and Oxnard College inaugurate their 2015…
Make the most of your night out this Valentine’s Day
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…
Health: Chocolate historically more than just food
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Many cannot resist chocolate, that beloved creamy, sweet confection derived from cocoa beans, milk and sugar. All over the world people love to indulge in chocolate, especially come Valentine’s Day. According to data from Leatherhead…
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…
Guest commentary: Women’s Economic Ventures encourages shoppers to buy gifts from local businesses this holiday season
SANTA BARBARA — As the holidays are approaching, many are thinking of the right gift to give friends and family members. Many people plan to head to the mall or department stores to purchase this season’s hottest items, but Women’s…
Health: Navigating the holidays with diabetes
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Amid a season of sweets and special foods, it sometimes can be challenging for diabetics to maintain their dietary discipline. But eating certain foods in moderation can help people with diabetes enjoy the flavors of…
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…
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…
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…
Health: Benefit from nutritious turkey even after Thanksgiving
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) If turkey is not normally on your lunch or dinner menu, come the holiday season it’s bound to show up in abundance. As soon as the weather cools and the crispness of late autumn is…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
Ventura College to celebrate Diversity in Culture with a Spanish Heritage Fiesta on Sept. 24
VENTURA — A Spanish Heritage Fiesta, a free community event to celebrate Diversity in Culture, will be presented by Ventura College from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.…
Bilingual report: SCORE to present Hispano Mixer on Sept. 26 in Oxnard
OXNARD — SCORE will present a Hispano Mixer from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at the Heritage Cultural Center, 141 W. 5th St., Suite E, Oxnard. Learn networking techniques in order to better your business and personal life,…
Guest commentary: Oxnard Latino community faces epidemic / pandemic health problem
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 The internationally…
Canceled: Café on A to hold ‘Painting Party’ on Aug. 23, 24 in downtown Oxnard
OXNARD — The Cafe on A, at 438 So. A St., downtown Oxnard, has been the gateway for many community programs / events for more than 15 years and is proud to serve the most at-risk youth and marginalized community. But…
‘Night in Oaxaca’ to be held Aug. 9 in Oxnard
OXNARD — The Mixecto / Indigena Community Organizing Project will present its fourth annual “Night in Oaxaca” fundraising, awards and cultural celebration beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. “Join…
Health: Power of a positive attitude
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) A balanced diet, exercise, genetics, and even certain medications can work in concert to make a person healthy. But a person’s demeanor also can factor into personal health. The Mayo Clinic says that whether or…
Oxnard Salsa Festival begins with ‘Friday Night Kick-Off Concert’ on July 25
OXNARD — The Oxnard Salsa Festival Friday Night Kick-Off Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, July 25 with entertainment provided by the Oxnard Salsa Orchestra, led by Oxnard born and raised veteran percussionist Raul Rico Jr. The orchestra will provide…
Bilingual report: VCCDC to present ‘Homeownership Fair & Grand Opening Celebration’ on June 28 in Oxnard
OXNARD — The Ventura County Community Development Corporation will present a “Homeownership Fair & Grand Opening Celebration” from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28 at 2231 Sturgis Road, Suite A in Oxnard. “You have a dream of owning your…
Bilingual report: Organizacion Cultural Oaxaqueña Ñuu Savi to present ‘Guelaguetza Oxnard 2014’ on June 29
OXNARD — The Organizacion Cultural Oaxaqueña Ñuu Savi will present ‘Guelaguetza Oxnard 2014’ form 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29 at Plaza Park, 500 S. C St., downtown Oxnard. The free event, sponsored by Clinicas del Camino Real Inc.…
Commentary: Start planning ahead for a hot time at Oxnard Salsa Festival
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 So you think you have until next month to even start thinking about the 21st annual Oxnard Salsa Festival, scheduled for July 26 and 27 in downtown Oxnard. Well, if you are planning on…
Rebozo Festival to celebrate 10-year ‘Diamond’ anniversary on May 18
CAMARILLO — The Rebozo Festival will present its 10-Year ‘Diamond’ Anniversary Celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at Camarillo Ranch, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo. The event features a special performance by Grammay Award winner Graciela…
Local
SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is holding its “Share Your Lunch” campaign from May 1 through 31. The program enables the community to help close the summer food gap by donating the amount one might typically spend…
February cover story / Portada: A romantic time of year
Food: Improve your home and diet with a vegetable garden
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Planting a garden can add aesthetic appeal and functionality to a property. Vegetable gardens can transform landscapes while putting healthy and homegrown food on the table. By growing their own fruits and vegetables, homeowners have…
Food: Clean produce properly to avoid contaminants
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The demand for fresh produce has increased in recent years as more people are turning to fresh fruits and vegetables for their nutritional value. That increase in demand has forced many suppliers to import more…
Food: Must-haves for any Super Bowl party
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League, has become a global event. According to Nielsen, a ratings measurement firm, the 2013 game, which pitted the Baltimore Ravens against the San…
Food: Throw a sensational Super Bowl party
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) As the opening kickoff draws closer, here are some keys to Super Bowl party success. • Know your playing field. Your home is only so big, and that means you will have to limit the…