Category: Local

Bilingual report: Children´s drawing contest 2017: ‘The Monarch Butterfly and its lifecycle in North America’

XXI CHILDREN´S DRAWING CONTEST 2017 “ESTE ES MI MÉXICO” CONTEST Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME) is pleased to invite you to participate in the XXI Children’s Drawing Contest “Este es mi México”, with the…

United Way of Ventura County On the Move

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   President’s Message Dear Friends, There are many caring nonprofits throughout Ventura County, but one of the most caring is Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). A long-standing community partner of United Way’s, CEDC is truly…

Bilingual report: Call for submissions for the Indigenous Literature of America award

Querida Comunidad, La Dirección General de Cooperación Educativa y Cultural tiene el agrado de transmitir la convocatoria al Premio de Literaturas Indígenas de América (PLIA) emitida por la Secretaría de Cultura del Gobierno de la República, el Instituto Nacional de…

Summer Camp at Santa Paula Museums (July 31 through Aug. 4) Offers Adventure in Art and Science

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Art Museum and the California Oil Museum are teaming up to launch a new summer camp in downtown Santa Paula for children in grades K-5. The week-long Museum Exploratory Summer Camp will be held July 31,…

Pamme Mickelson Named New Executive Director of Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center

SANTA BARBARA — Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center has announced Pamme Mickelson as its new executive director. Mickelson brings more than twenty years of nonprofit, development and leadership experience to the organization, including her former position as executive director of the…

United Way of Ventura County announces new home at Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation

CAMARILLO — There are many caring nonprofits throughout Ventura County, but one of the leaders is Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). A long-standing partner with United Way to champion the underserved, CEDC will now house the 72 year old nonprofit at…

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Welcomes Dennis Peterson as Chairman of the Wings of Honor Committee

SANTA BARBARA — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation welcomes Dennis Peterson as Chairman of the Wings of Honor Committee. He brings his years of experience in the business sector as well as service in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War to…

Oxnard Salsa Festival seeking volunteers

OXNARD — The Oxnard Salsa Festival seeking volunteers.   VOLUNTEERS WANTED! Come get spicy with us! A great Volunteer opportunity! Enjoy a behind the scenes look at how the festival operates while you experience salsa bands, hot dancers, and spicy foods. Volunteers…

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Welcomes Dennis Merenbach as New Board Member

SANTA BARBARA — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) welcomes Dennis Merenbach to the Board of Directors. Merenbach served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington state and was assigned to the combat engineers, spending…

State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson Praises Budget That Invests In Strong Future For All Californians

SACRAMENTO – (June 15), the California Legislature passed the 2017-18 state budget. The budget now heads to the Governor for his signature. In response, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement: “Today, we passed a budget that is…

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation ‘Takes the Helm’ of Fourth of July Parade

SANTA BARBARA — The 54th Annual Fourth of July Parade is now in the hands of Santa Barbara’s Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF). PCVF is responsible for many veteran-related events throughout the year, including the Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade, the…

Pacific Coast Business Times announce Latino Business Awards winners. Celebration is July 20

July 20 from 5:50-7:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS  YEAR’S WINNERS: Arturo Hernandez Ventura County Community College District Danna Tejada-Baquero Cuesta College William Flores Antioch University Santa Barbara Veronica Guerrero California Lutheran University April Sanchez VCCF Scholarship…

Joined for a Solution: United Way of SB Thanks Supporters at 94th Annual Awards Ceremony

Santa Barbara County — Yessica Arroyo was struggling in school the first time she walked into United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun summer learning program as a young camper. But as program staff and volunteers cheered her…

First Santa Barbara Renovation Completed Under Funding Program to Preserve Affordable Housing for Local Families

Pearl Gardens is one of two affordable family housing properties that the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara recently completed. SANTA BARBARA — As an early adopter of a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program designed…

Nicole Mercier joins Peoples’ Self-Help Housing as New Director of Human Resources

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) welcomes Nicole Mercier as new Director of Human Resources, also managing HR needs for their property management affiliate, The Duncan Group. “Nicole is a dynamic and talented HR professional,” said John Fowler, PSHH…

Santa Barbara City College announces new Educational Programs Leadership, other positions

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce new leaders in some of our Educational Programs. As a result of various retirements, the College has been recruiting for several new staff and faculty positions as well as leadership within Educational…

State Sen. Jackson, Assemblymember Limón praise decision to study cleaner alternatives to Puente Power Project

SACRAMENTO — State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) and Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) praised the recent decision by the California Energy Commission to allow the California Independent System Operator (CalISO) to study the feasibility of clean energy alternatives to the…

Montecito Bank & Trust CEO Joins United Way of SB’s Young Leaders Society for Inaugural Leadership Series beginning June 15

Event designed to encourage purpose-driven leadership in the Santa Barbara community SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Young Leaders Society (YLS) will welcome Montecito Bank & Trust Chairman & CEO Janet Garufis on June 15 to its…

Not Too Late to Join! Braille Institute Spring/Summer Classes Underway

Free, innovative classes open to residents throughout Santa Barbara with vision loss due to conditions like Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Cataracts and Retinitis Pigmentosa SANTA BARBARA — Braille Institute Santa Barbara may be well into its Spring/Summer term of classes,…

UCSB announces winners of Thomas More Storke Award and other top university prizes

Winners include Paola Dela Cruz-Perez, Kelli L. Forman, Felipe O. Infante, Alejandra Martinez-Ramos By Shelly Leachman • UCSB For their scholastic achievement, their extraordinary service to the university and the community, and their personal courage and persistence, three graduating seniors at UC Santa…

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Starts Rehabilitation on Valentine Court Affordable Senior Housing Complex

SANTA MARIA — On June 12, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) will begin to rehabilitate Valentine Court Apartments with upgrades including energy efficiency improvements, new paint, appliances, and an expansion of the community building. Valentine Court is a 35-unit senior affordable…

Bilingual commentary: Obesity Will Be Our Undoing

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…

State Sen. Jackson honors Ventura-based Ohana Pet Hospital as Small Business of the Year

SACRAMENTO – State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has chosen Ventura-based small business Ohana Pet Hospital as her 2017 Small Business of the Year. Ohana Pet Hospital is a veterinary hospital that specializes in medical, surgical, dental and wellness health care for…

California law firm Beach Cowdrey Owen announces name change to Beach Cowdrey Jenkins

OXNARD — Prominent California law firm Beach Cowdrey Owen, which has offices in Ventura County and Sacramento, has officially changed its name to Beach Cowdrey Jenkins, LLP, following the promotion of attorney Spencer Jenkins to named partner and partner Melinda Owen’s transition to “of counsel” to the firm. “Spencer is an aggressive, successful trial lawyer who continually excels in…

AMAE Honors Outstanding Graduating Seniors

OXNARD — The Association of Mexican American Educators (AMAE), Oxnard Chapter, is proud to honor two outstanding high school seniors for their academic and community accomplishments. Honorees are Jose Orlando Chacon Cerriteno, student at Hueneme High School, and Juan Carrillo, student…

State Sen. Jackson announces status of Senate bills

SACRAMENTO – State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has announced the status of the following bills: Jackson Bill to Clean Up Beaches by Plugging Old, Leaking Oil Wells Passes Off Senate Floor Jackson Bill to Encourage Building of Innovative, Affordable Housing for Seniors…

Bilingual commentary: Targeting Women and Girls

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…

Rio Mesa High School Takes Top Honors at the Third Annual ‘Sweets by the Beach’ Student Culinary Competition Held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Resort

OXNARD — Rio Mesa High School was awarded the grand prize, winning first place at the recent Third Annual ‘Sweets by the Beach’ Student Culinary Competition held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Resort in Oxnard. Three groups, who…

July 20 — Ventura Hillsides Conservancy to host free community lecture, ‘Matilija Dam: Breaking the Barrier’

VENTURA — On Thurs., July 20, at 7 p.m., the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host a free community lecture entitled “Matilija Dam: Breaking the Barrier” at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura. Paul Jenkin, founder of the Matilija Coalition and campaign coordinator for Ventura Surfrider Foundation,…

July 20 — Pacific Coast Business Times to present ‘Latino Business Awards’

SANTA BARBARA — Pacific Coast Business Times, the region’s leading business news publication, is recognizing one of the leading segments in the Tri-Counties. This special section is accompanied by an evening reception to honor the winners on Thursday, July 20 from…

July 22 — Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas to present Acting Workshop / Taller de actuación

    ¡Una gran oportunidad aprender de un maestro de teatro! A great opportunity to learn from one of masters of theater! ACTING WORKSHOP FOR TEATRO’S ACTORS James Donlon, Director of Men on the Verge of a His-panic Breakdown starring…

July 23 — Free Family Day at Santa Paula Art Museum

Click here for the entire e-newsletter Photo courtesy of Richard Thompson FREE FAMILY DAY   Free Family Day: The Flying Eye   Sunday, July 23, 2017, from 12pm to 4pm Encourage your family’s creativity and imagination at the Santa Paula Art…

Bilingual report: July 25 — Free Fair Housing Workshop Hosted by VCCDC & the Housing Rights Center

OXNARD — The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) will be hosting a Fair Housing workshop in collaboration with the Housing Rights Center on Tuesday, July 25th at 6pm at the VCCDC Home Ownership Center located at 2231 Sturgis Road, Suite…

July 26 — SmART Talk: Sandra Torres

SANTA BARBARA — Meet Ojai-based ceramicist Sandra Torres as she presents her poetic collections of porcelain work and discusses her process and inspirations at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 26 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art, 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa…

Through July 28 — Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas to present workshop for children, youth

OXNARD — Doing theater has many benefits, especially for children and youth because it increases confidence in expressing themselves in social and learning situations.  Doing theater in Spanish is  also advantageous because it enhances development in the young brain when it…

July 6 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Josh Kun in ‘The Aural Border: Listening Across the California-Mexico Line’

Thursday, July 6, 5:30 – 7 pm The Aural Border: Listening Across the California-Mexico Line Josh Kun In this engaging multimedia talk, MacArthur Fellow author and University of Southern California Professor Josh Kun takes us on a musical and sonic…

July 6 — D-Day Remembrance Lunch & Program

SANTA BARBARA — Join Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) for a special event to remember D-Day. Several local veterans who were involved in D-Day will be honored at the luncheon. The program will feature a screening of one episode of…

July 10 — State Sen. Jackson, Go-Biz to host California Competes Business Tax Credit workshop in Ventura

VENTURA — State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)  will host a free workshop on Monday, July 10th to help members of the business community understand the process of applying for income tax credits designed to save money, create jobs and contribute to local…

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 13 — Pilot and Photographer Bill Dewey to Share His Point of View on California Landscape

SANTA PAULA — On Thursday, July 13, Santa Barbara pilot and photographer Bill Dewey will give a talk on the art of aerial photography at the Santa Paula Art Museum. The talk begins at 3:00 p.m. Dewey’s solo exhibition, “Pilot’s Discretion:…

July 15 — Ventura County Genealogical Society to present Free Family History Mini-Seminar

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Genealogical Society will present a Free Family History Mini-Seminar on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the Camarillo Library Community Room, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo. PRESENTATIONS BY GENA PHILIBERT-ORTEGA: 1:00 P.M. 10 DATABASES YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE ON ANCESTRY.COM Sure, you know the…

July 19 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum to present ‘International SeaKeepers Society: Drifters to Shark Tagging: Private Vessels Working with Scientific Projects!’

OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum presents “International SeaKeepers Society: Drifters to Shark Tagging: Private Vessels Working with Scientific Projects!,” with Captain Tom Peterson at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19. The Society was created to match yachts their owners with…

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…

Aug. 2 — Solarize Ventura County SPANISH workshop

Wednesday, August 2nd 6:00pm (English) 7:00pm (Español) City of Oxnard, Community Room, 300 West Third Street, First Floor, Oxnard CA 93030 The Community Environmental Council’s Solarize Program offers discounted, top quality solar electric systems for homeowners in Ventura County. The…

July 1 — An event with art, music & poetry of poet Todd Griese & artist and musician Terry Bozzio

A PART OF THE LANDSCAPE/A PART OF THE HUMAN CONDITION An event with art, music & poetry of poet Todd Griese & artist and musician Terry Bozzio The Blackboard Gallery – Studio Channel Islands Event date July 1, 2017, 4…

June 24 — El Lustrador Movie Event

Friends, we still have tickets for the fundraising event for my movie El Lustrador, please buy your tickets now, the info is on the flyer or here https://www.eventbrite.com/e…   Continue Reading  

VCCDC’s 5th annual Homeownership Fair on June 24 offers families opportunities to own a home even as home prices rise

VENTURA COUNTY — “I sat on the bench, waiting for the bus to arrive, eating my cold lunch. ‘What am I doing?’ I asked myself. I didn’t know if this was going to work. ‘Am I wasting my time?’” This was…

June 24 — Assemblymember Irwin and City of Thousand Oaks to host Inaugural ‘Safety Fair’

Family-friendly event to highlight first responders and emergency preparedness SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) and the City of Thousand Oaks will be co-hosting a family oriented safety fair on Saturday, June 24th. This free event is open to the…

Henry L. ‘Hank’ Lacayo Celebration of Life, scholarship fund kickoff, to be held June 24 at CSU Channel Islands

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 4-7 P.M. JOHN SPOOR BROOME LIBRARY PLAZA RSVP The Lacayo family invites you to support the establishment of the Henry L.“Hank” Lacayo Scholarship Fund at CSU Channel Islands. GIVE NOW IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT CELINA.ZACARIAS@CSUCI.EDU OR…

June 24 — VCCDC to present 5th annual Homeownership Fair in Oxnard

OXNARD — The Ventura County Community Development Corp. will present its 5th annual Homeownership Fair from 11 a.m. to3 p.m. Saturday, June 24at the Centerpoint Mall, 2655 Saviers Road, Oxnard. You are cordially invited   25+ booths with homeownership information & resources:…

Through June 18 — Clinicas to hold Week-long Celebration of National Men’s Health Week 2017

VENTURA COUNTY — National Men’s Health Week (NMHW) is part of a national campaign which begins June 12th and ends on Father’s day, June 18th, 2017, with the goal of raising awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease…

June 24 — Award-wining local chef and cookbook author shares secrets to tasty Indian curries

SANTA BARBARA — This Saturday at the SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL), Farhana Sahibzada teaches Indian Curries with Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables Winner of the Beverly Hill Book Award 2016 for her cookbook Flavorful Shortcuts to Indian/Pakistani Cooking, CLL…

VC STEM network to present Golden Gear awards at CSUCI

CAMARILLO — Ventura County middle schools, elementary schools and other learning environments will be recognized on May 31 for their innovative science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. Six elementary schools, two middle schools, one early childhood education center and three…

Guest column: Ruth Jones — The Warrior Dream Angel

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 Ruth…

Bilingual commentary: Making America Great Again

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 /…

Cal Lutheran educator Trudy Tuttle Arriaga wins state honor

THOUSAND OAKS — The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) has named California Lutheran University faculty member Trudy Tuttle Arriaga its Professor of Education of the Year. Arriaga, the Distinguished Educator in Residence in Cal Lutheran’s Graduate School of Education,…

VCCCD and California Lutheran University Establish Transfer Admission Guarantee Agreement

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community College District and California Lutheran University have partnered to establish a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) agreement for Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College students. VCCCD Vice Chancellor Educational Services Rick Post and Cal…

Local Boys & Girls Club Receives National Honors — BGCOP given two Merit Awards for Program Excellence

CENTRAL COAST — The Boys & Girls Clubs of America recently honored the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme with two national merit awards for program excellence. The Club also received $5,000. BGCOP won an award…

508 Webinar founder and recent WEV graduate Toni Funck delivers accessible webinars to the deaf and hard of hearing

VENTURA — Toni Funck launched 508 Webinar in October 2016. It wasn’t however until she signed up for Women’s Economic Ventures’ SET course that Toni really saw the potential for her online business. “I was already successfully operating my webinar business…

Bilingual commentary: Expertise Without the Degree

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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…

Assemblymember Limón hosts ‘Hike with Monique’

SANTA BARBARA — Assemblymember Monique Limón hosted the Hike with Monique, an event to get to know constituents and get outside in Assembly District 37. The hike, which took place on Saturday, May 13, started in Stevens Park, and continued…

UCSB Spanish professor earns international award for her expertise in Mexican literature and culture

By Jim Medina • UCSB Author of more than 200 publications, books, essays, articles, reviews and short stories, UC Santa Barbara professor Sara Poot-Herrera is known for “always working” — organizing conferences or speaking events on Mexican and Spanish American…

CSUCI to graduate largest class

Separate morning and afternoon ceremonies will accommodate largest number of graduates and guests CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) candidates for graduation will receive degrees in separate morning and afternoon ceremonies on Saturday, May 20. With 2,261 students eligible to receive degrees…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson: Californians Can Now Weigh in on “California Trusts Women” License Plate Design

Voting Kicks Off Today for Pro-Choice License Plate To Raise Funds for Women’s Reproductive Health Care Services Threatened by Trump SACRAMENTO – (On May 15), State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) joined NARAL Pro-Choice California to unveil three potential designs for…

CSUCI receives $100,000 endowed Nursing scholarship from Grossman

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing scholars in financial need will be able apply for a scholarship from the Dr. Richard Grossman Community Foundation beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. The scholarship is possible because of a generous $100,000 donation from…

June 17 — Carnegie Art Museum Arcade Poetry Series

OXNARD — CAM Cornerstones board member Jackson Wheeler, revered poet, patron of the arts and loyal friend passed away last Friday, June 9th after heroically battling brain cancer. Jackson organized the Arcade Poetry Series for decades in Ventura County with its…

Hundreds of Hopeful Homebuyers Tour Nonprofit Coastal Housing Partnership’s Home Buyers Fair

Two more fairs planned for organization’s 30th Anniversary year CENTRAL COAST — Hundreds of South Coast employees came through Coastal Housing Partnership’s Home Buying Fair May 6 and found a wealth of information on making the often elusive dream of local…

Lawn Bowling for Dollars: United Way of SB County’s Young Leaders Society Raises Funds for Youth Book Program

Event proceeds benefit Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides children ages 0-5 with a book a month. CENTRAL COAST — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Young Leaders Society and the community recently took to the green for the inaugural United…

Gold Coast Transit District breaks ground on new Operations and Maintenance Facility

OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County’s largest provider of public transit, broke ground Wednesday on the future home of its new Operations and Maintenance facility that will support future transit needs for thousands of riders in Ventura County.…

Santa Barbara City College Student Isabel Agundis Selected to Visit NASA

SANTA BARBARA — Isabel Agundis, a Santa Barbara City College student, has been selected to travel to NASA’s Johnson Space Center this spring to participate in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars project (NCAS). Agundis, a mechanical engineering major, is one…

Bilingual commentary: Is College Still Relevant?*

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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson Releases Statement on Governor’s May Revise

SACRAMENTO – State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has released the following statement on Governor Jerry Brown’s May Revise, his revised budget proposal based on the latest revenue estimates. “The Governor continues to take a prudent approach to our state budget, given…

UCSB Chancellor Yang Speaks out on fossil fuel divestment, endorses campaign

SANTA BARBARA — On May 11 at noon in Cheadle Hall, the UCSB campus administration building, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Margaret Klawunn issued a statement on behalf of Chancellor Henry T. Yang both endorsing the fossil fuel divestment campaign, Fossil…

Limón Bill Gives Healthcare Providers Full Information in Emergencies

SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 1119, authored by Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) ensures that emergency healthcare providers have full medical records so that they can make well-informed healthcare decisions when treating patients with mental illnesses. The measure passed unanimously out of the…

Santa Barbara City College Recognized for Accessible Online Education Programs

Santa Barbara City College’s online education program named #14 best online school for students with disabilities by the SR Education Group and GuideToOnlineSchools.com The SR Education Group researched 1,265 schools and ranked Santa Barbara City College’s online education program #14 out of…

Local Contractors Recognized for Energy Efficient Projects

SANTA BARBARA — Four local contractors are being recognized for their dedication, professionalism and service assisting Central Coast residents in making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. This year’s recipients of emPower Central Coast’s second annual Contractor Recognition Awards are Solarponics, CK…

Student Entrepreneurs Win Start-up Support at SBCC Scheinfeld Center 7th Annual New Venture Challenge

SANTA BARBARA – Apparel companies dominated the winning teams this year at the April 28th SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation 7th Annual New Venture Challenge business pitch competition, held in the Fe Bland Forum on SBCC’s campus. Three of…

Santa Barbara City College’s vocational nursing program named #5 best LVN program in California by PracticalNursing.org

Practicalnursing.org evaluated California’s 129 state-approved LVN schools, which includes community colleges, technical centers, private career training schools and vocational schools. The website’s team analyzed overall pass rates of the NCLEX-PN, the exam used by state boards that tests proficiency and knowledge…

Santa Barbara City College Recognizes 2017 Employees of the Year

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College announced its outstanding staff members for the 2016-2017 school year. Marilynn Spaventa, Dean of Educational Services, was selected Outstanding Administrator of the Year, and Josue Miranda, Automotive Service & Technology Laboratory Teaching Assistant,…

SBCC Career Skills Institute Helps Local Employees Get a Summer Jump on In-Demand Job Skills Summer Registration Now Open

Short courses and digital badges in business, design and technology offered tuition-free SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Career Skills Institute is gearing up for a summer full of opportunities for local employees and job-seekers to gain the skills to advance in today’s…

Builders Circle Signifies Mark of Excellence for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Partners

SANTA BARBARA — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has created a category of recognition that distinguishes those partners who work alongside the nonprofit to ensure more affordable housing along the Central Coast. The Builders Circle is a prestigious group of contractors, designers…

CSUCI’s Computer Science students place 3rd in national NASA Swarmathon competition

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Computer Science students who placed third in the nation in the Second Annual NASA Swarmathon competition will demonstrate how they developed their winning algorithm during the SAGE Research Conference Saturday. The NASA Swarmathon team traveled to…

Assemblymember Limón committed to protecting healthcare

By Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) Recent actions taken at the federal level around health care would have serious consequences for California. The new law could strip health care coverage from as many as 24 million Americans—4.6 million of which are…

Oxnard’s own Road Brothers Band selected as the winner of the 5th Annual ‘Berry Battle of the Bands Contest.’ To headline 34th Annual California Strawberry Festival

OXNARD — Oxnard’s own Road Brothers Band was selected as the winner of the 5th Annual “Berry Battle of the Bands Contest” and will headline at the 34th Annual California Strawberry Festival on Sunday, May 21st at 11:00am, it is revealed today. Co-hosted by Cumulus Media and…

Bilingual commentary: Community College Does Care

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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…

CSUCI, Oxnard College and Oxnard Union High School District will enter into STEMpacts with students

CAMARILLO — With their families by their sides, 70 high school and middle school students will gather at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on May 11 to enter into a pact with Oxnard College and/or CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Oxnard Union High School…

The Annex draws local favorite, Los Angeles and San Diego brands ahead of fall debut

OXNARD —  The Annex, the 16,000-square-foot public market-style space located within The Collection at RiverPark, has announced the addition of four new food concepts to join its tenant roster of microshops, boutiques and eateries ahead of its fall grand opening. New…

Hospice of Santa Barbara Applauds Prince Harry, Sheryl Sandberg, others for Sharing Their Stories of Loss and Grief

SANTA BARBARA — Prince Harry was at the vulnerable age of 12 when he lost his beloved mother, Princess Diana, in a car accident. Prince Harry recently admitted to “hiding his head in the sand,” refusing to allow himself to think…

Through June 30 — ‘Recuerdos de Rosario (Memories of Rosario)’ at UCSB Library

SANTA BARBARA — The exhibit “Recuerdos de Rosario (Memories of Rosario)” will be presented through 5 p.m. Friday, June 30  at UCSB Library. Stop by the UCSB Library’s Ocean Gallery to see our exhibition of Christopher Cardinale’s illustrations of Rosario, Mexico, the…

June 17 — 50th Anniversary Celebration: Monterey Pop International Festival Concert

VENTURA — Kick off the Summer of Love’s 50th Anniversary celebration, 7–9 p.m., June 17 at the Museum of Ventura County, with a special showing of the Monterrey Pop International Festival documentary directed by D.A. Pennebaker. Widely regarded as having…

June 20 — Death and Cupcakes

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara welcomes you to join a discussion about death and the celebration of life in a comfortable and welcoming setting. This gathering is a group-directed discussion of end-of-life issues; not a support group or…

June 27 — Free workshop focus on hot energy efficiency ideas to keep homes cool

County emPower Program to Host Workshop in North County SANTA BARBARA — With temperatures heating up, the County of Santa Barbara emPower program is hosting a workshop to help homeowners achieve energy efficiency. The free workshop is 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 27…

June 15 — Who Shot Rock ‘n Roll? An evening with photographer Guy Webster **now only $5 for members

VENTURA — Join us 7–9 p.m., June 15, for an evening with renowned photographer Guy Webster, one of the early innovators of rock-and-roll photography whose work has spanned the worlds of music, films and politics in a stellar 40-year career…

CSUCI to award honorary doctorate to local champion of migrant education

CAMARILLO — A 60-year veteran of education who has championed the often-neglected population of migrant, homeless, at-risk or foster children will receive an honorary doctorate from CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) during the May 20 commencement ceremony. President Erika D. Beck will award…

Bilingual commentary: U.S.-North Korean Pas de Deux

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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…

Veteran Traffic Professional Joins Hasan Consultants

VENTURA — Richard L. Herrera, a well-known traffic expert in the greater Los Angeles and tri-counties area, has joined Hasan Consultants. He will be in charge of the Traffic and Transportation group at Hasan. Herrera just left the County of Ventura…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson Bill to Create ‘California Trusts Women’ Pro-Choice License Plate Advances

Californians interested in pledging to purchase a plate can sign up on Jackson’s website  SACRAMENTO – As the White House and Republican Congress continue to threaten federal funding for women’s health services, a bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)…

Assemblymember Limón’s Bill Will Require Chemical Transparency in Oil & Gas Well

SACRAMENTO – In order to provide more transparency and accountability to the public, Assembly Bill 1328, a bill by Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), requires quarterly disclosure of chemicals used in oil and gas operations, just passed its first legislative hurdle…

Volunteers Needed for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Santa Maria Community Impact Survey

SANTA MARIA — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) is seeking volunteers to help facilitate the organization’s Santa Maria Community Impact Measurement Survey. The volunteer team will survey Santa Maria residents near Blosser Road from 3 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 6…

Hospice of Santa Barbara Supports Emotional Health of Local First Responders, Care Professionals

SANTA BARBARA — No one is more exposed to the brutality and sadness of death and dying than first responders and other care professionals whose daily work involves the sick, dying and bereaved. The repeated exposure to trauma combined with a…

Assemblymember Irwin named “Legislator of the Year” by the Veterans of Foreign Wars

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) was honored with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of California’s “Legislator of the Year” Award. The award was presented at their annual Legislative Day Reception Wednesday, April 19th. “During her time in…

Bilingual commentary: “Nobody’s Got to Use the Internet”

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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…

Fatima Ponce from Hathaway Elementary School in Oxnard wins 2017 Youth Art Contest for the 34th annual California Strawberry Festival

OXNARD — From 951 entries Kindergarten to 6th grade, the whimsical roller skating strawberry design of five-year-old Fatima Ponce from Hathaway Elementary School in Oxnard was selected as the grand prize winner of the 34th Annual California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design…

SBCC Selected to Participate in the California Guided Pathways Project

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College has been selected to participate in the California Guided Pathways Project. SBCC was selected through a competitive process, along with nineteen other schools. The Guided Pathways project is designed to substantially increase the number…

34th annual California Strawberry Festival (May 20-21) Features The Strawberry Promenade with Recipe Contests, Celebrity Chef Demonstrations, more

OXNARD — When the 34th Annual California Strawberry Festival kicks off weekend, May 20 and 21, on the newly expanded acreage at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard, the Strawberry Promenade will be bustling with chef presentations and heated culinary contests…

May 23 — Local Culinary Students Vie for Top Honors during the Third Annual Student Culinary Competition ‘Sweets by the Beach’

OXNARD — Students from three culinary academies in the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) will put their culinary skills to the test at the Third Annual “Sweets by the Beach” Student Culinary Competition. The event takes place on Tuesday, May…

May 20 — Santa Barbara Children’s Music Festival

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Children’s Music Festival (a KINDIE music festival)  The San Marcos Parent-Child Workshop, KIDaPALooza, Children’s Music Festival is proud to present, for the first time in Santa Barbara and for one day only,  the Emmy- and Grammy-award-winning…

May 20 — The Collection at RiverPark makes fashion statement at 2nd annual Fashion Show

OXNARD — The runway returns to The Collection at RiverPark as Oxnard’s premier fashion destination hosts its second annual Fashion Show. On Saturday, May 20, fashion retailers from The Collection will feature their new spring lines highlighting the most sought-after…

May 20-21 — Entertainment lineup revealed fro 34th annual California Strawberry Festival

OXNARD — Two Festival stages will be “jamming” at the 34th Annual California Strawberry Festival May 20 and 21 in Oxnard where non-stop entertainment adds to the sweet celebration that pays tribute to the beloved seasonal fruit. Musical styles range from Country,…

A Chicana Warrior: Alicia Escalante, who led the fight for justice and dignity in the turbulent 1960s, has donated her papers to UCSB

By Jim Logan • UCSB Alicia Escalante was an unlikely hero. A poor single mother of five, she became one of the leading activists of the Chicano Movement in the 1960s. She founded the East Los Angeles Welfare Rights Organization…

UCSB’s Early Academic Outreach Program to host annual UC Success Night events honoring regional high school seniors

By Andrea Estrada • UCSB The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara will hold a series of UC Success Night events April 19-28 to celebrate the academic success of seniors from UCSB’s EAOP partnership schools who have been admitted to the…

Bilingual commentary: The Mystery of the Father-Daughter Dance

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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…

Gold Coast Health Plan Launches Grantmaking Program

Medi-Cal Plan Introduces Community Health Investment Program to Address Social Determinants of Health CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP)  announced the launch of its Community Health Investment program that awards monetary grants to locally qualified organizations that are addressing social…

CSUCI Business & Technology Partnership scholars come from diverse backgrounds

CAMARILLO — The five CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students receiving scholarships at the Business & Technology Partnership (B&TP) Leadership dinner took different pathways to the University, but all have one thing in common: sincere gratitude for this gift. “This really lifts a…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County: Jersey Mike’s Subs & Vince Ferragamo are taking a swing to make a BIG impact!

VENTURA COUNTY — Watching Vince Ferragamo and Dan Burrell joke with one another like longtime friends at the Jersey Mike’s Subs in Westlake Village, you would never expect that the two gentlemen had only met a few hours earlier that same…

Bilingual commentary: The Other Side of the Wall

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. David Magallanes By David Magallanes…