Category: Local

Assemblymember Irwin’s Statement on the Governor’s Transportation Infrastructure Bill

By Jacqui Irwin • Assemblymember SACRAMENTO — “I’ve never before voted for a tax increase as an elected official. Unfortunately, the current state of our streets and roads is unacceptable. The longer we wait to address this problem, the more…

American Heart Association Hosts and Evening of “Pinot and Purses” to Raise Funds to Fight Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke

SANTA BARBARA – Pinot and purses – two of a girl’s best friends were combined for a fun, filled philanthropic evening benefitting the American Heart Association’s fight to end heart disease in woman. “Pinot and Purses” took place on April 4,…

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Accepting Registrations for the 2017 Spring Sports Leagues

AGOURA HILLS — The community is invited to register for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley’s Spring 2017 coed Jr. NBA Basketball League and Sunday Soccer League through April 17. The Sports Leagues are open to ages 3-12.…

Volunteers needed for Oxnard Salsa Festival (July 29-30)

Volunteers Needed! A fun, educational and interactive volunteer opportunity. Enjoy a behind the scenes look at how the festival operates while you experience salsa bands, hot dancers, and spicy foods. Volunteers serve fun, four-hour shifts and receive a t-shirt, free drink…

UCSB: ‘Promoting the Educational Success of Children and Youth Learning English: Promising Futures’

By the Gevirtz School — Graduate School of Education at UCSB Richard Durán of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School was a member of the committee that conducted the study and wrote the report titled Promoting the Educational Success of Children…

Hasta el 27 de mayo — Teatro de las Américas y Oxnard College presentan ‘Los encantos del relajo’

Qué: “LOS ENCANTOS DEL RELAJO” Quién: Teatro de las Américas y Oxnard College presentan la comedia de Norma Román Calvo, Los encantos del relajo, dirigida por Robert Sánchez Cuándo: Del 12 de mayo al 27 de mayo viernes y sábado, 12, 13,…

May 24 — United Way of Santa Barbara County Hosts 94th Annual Awards Celebration

Awards Honor Outstanding Efforts of Individuals and Organizations in the Santa Barbara Community SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) will honor the outstanding organizations and individuals who make possible United Way’s community programs and activities at its…

Register now for the May 26 ‘2017 Indigenous Knowledge Conference’ in Oxnard

OXNARD — Register now for the the “2017 Indigenous Knowledge Conference” at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Join us in learning more about Ventura County’s 20,000 indigenous Mexican immigrants, their lives, and how to build partnerships with…

May 13 — Let’s Have a Ball at the 17th Annual Santa Barbara Heart Ball at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club

Winners to be Recognized from Student Art Contest Hosted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation SANTA BARBARA — The 17th annual Santa Barbara Heart Ball – a fundraiser supporting the American Heart Association – is set for Saturday, May…

May 13 — Allan Hancock College Concert Band will perform Spring Pops Concert

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Concert Band will perform a Spring Pops Concert on Saturday evening, May 13th, 2017 at 7:30 PM. The concert will feature an eclectic mix of musical selections including: The Star Spangled Banner, Flourish for Wind…

May 16 — 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…

Hasta el 27 de mayo — Los encantos del relajo

Qué LOS ENCANTOS DEL RELAJO Quién Teatro de las Américas y Oxnard College presentan la comedia de Norma Román Calvo, Los encantos del relajo, dirigida por Robert Sánchez Cuándo Del 12 de mayo al 28 de mayo • viernes y…

El Concilio Family Services presents 28th Annual Latino Leadership Awards on May 5

OXNARD — A college registrar, a high school senior, a superintendent, a bank executive, an educational counselor, an associate programs director, a surgeon, and a chief probation officer will be recognized when El Concilio Family Services presents its 28th annual…

May 5 — Celebrate International Day of the Midwife

Supporting good health & well-being for women and children SANTA BARBARA — The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3, Good Health and Well-Being, highlights midwives as crucial to reducing childhood mortality and improving maternal health, especially in developing regions and remote…

May 6 — League of Women Voters of Ventura County and Ventura College Holding Forum on Climate Change

VENTURA — League of Women Voters of Ventura County (LWVVC), a nonpartisan political organization, is joining with Ventura College in sponsoring a public forum on climate change – Climate Change is Here to Stay…So What’s Next?   The Forum is scheduled…

Through May 6 — Studio Channel Islands Blackboard Gallery to present ‘California Fibers: Time’

CAMARILLO — The Studio Channel Islands Blackboard Gallery is pleased to present California Fibers: Time from April 1 – May 6, 2017, with an opening reception on April 1st from 4-6 PM. California Fibers:Time features the work of seventeen members of…

May 7 — Celebrate 130 Years of Service to Shelter Animals and the Community at Open House

Join the Party! $5 Vaccinations, Magic Show, Face Painting, Adoptable Animals SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Humane Society invites the entire community to a Birthday Party to celebrate their 130th Anniversary. The special celebration will take place during the Santa…

May 8 — National Expert and Author to Present Mind & Supermind Lecture

SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning welcomes Richard Tarnas, Ph.D. to discuss Humanity’s Rite of Passage SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning (the CLL) welcomes depth psychologist Richard Tarnas, Ph.D., to present the next CLL Mind & Supermind lecture, “Humanity’s…

May 26 — ‘2017 Indigenous Knowledge Conference’ to be held at Oxnard College

OXNARD — The Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) and Centro Binacional para el Desarollo Indígena Oaxaqueño (CBDIO) will host their fifth annual “Indigenous Knowledge Conference” on Friday, May 26th at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center from 9 am -4 pm. Our…

“Solarthon” Block Party on May 20 Will Install Solar Power Systems on Six Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Homes in Atascadero

ATASCADERO — On Saturday, May 20, a group of volunteers, job trainees, community leaders, and residents will install no-cost rooftop solar panel systems on six homes of the Peoples’ Self Help Housing Atascadero Triangle neighborhood as part of the Solarthon Block…

May 12-14 — SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning to Host 10th Annual Nonviolent Communication Conference

SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning (the CLL) is offering a workshop of special interest to Santa Barbara’s unique nonprofit and philanthropic community May 12-14 . The CLL will host the 10th Annual Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Conference at…

June 12 — Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Invite the Community to ‘Swing into Action’ at the 8th Annual Golf Classic

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Golfers are invited to participate in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley’s 8th Annual Golf Classic while helping raise funds for local youth on Monday, June 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the…

Through May 3 — Oxnard College Literature, Arts & Lecture Series presents 2017 Spring Series

The Oxnard College Literature, Arts & Lecture Series will begin its 2017 Spring Series on February 22nd featuring filmmaker and entertainer Byron Motley presenting, “The Negro Baseball Leagues, in celebration of African American History Month. Other events include: “Moctezuma’s Mexico:…

Through May 13 — Studio Channel Islands Blackboard Gallery to present pop-up exhibit Social Fiction

CAMARILLO — The Studio Channel Islands Blackboard Gallery is pleased to present pop-up exhibit Social Fiction from through May 13, 2017, with an opening reception on May 11th from 7-9 PM. Social fiction features an installation from Kevin Hallagan, a Los Angeles…

May 13 — Premier Mariachi Ensemble to Headline Girls Inc. Carpinteria’s Mariachi Encuentro Fundraiser

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with its ninth annual Mariachi Encuentro event, an evening filled with authentic Mexican food, music, and culture on Saturday, May 13th at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus, 5315…

June 11 — Museum of Ventura County hosts La Vida Local: Leadership Perspectives

VENTURA — Join us for the next Museum of Ventura County’s discussion series, La Vida Local—Leadership Perspectives, featuring moderated conversations with Ventura County leaders sharing their vision for the future. This event takes place 1–2:30 p.m., June 11, at the…

June 2 — Is it Art? The Museum of Ventura County presents “Manipulations” June 2

VENTURA — The Museum of Ventura County presents “Manipulations,” the profoundly introspective and symbolic work of sculptor Bob Privitt during its summer season opening reception, 6–8 p.m., June 2. The Museum is located at 100 Main Street, Ventura. Admission is…

June 3 – 27th Annual Horse Show & Tack Sale to Showcase Local Riders’ Equitation Skills

SANTA BARBARA – Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center will host its 27th Annual Student Horse Show & Tack Sale showcasing riders of all ages and capabilities on Saturday, June 3 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at their riding facilities, located at 4420…

June 7 — Community Choice Energy Forum

June 7 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Santa Barbara Public Library – Faulkner Gallery Join us to learn more about Community Choice Energy, a method to get cleaner electricity to local homes and businesses and provide greater local control over how that…

May 17 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum to present ‘The Most Mad Seas: Tales of Sail from Cape Horn and the Southern Ocean’

OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is pleased to present, “The Most Mad Seas: Tales of Sail from Cape Horn and the Southern Ocean”, a lecture to be held on May 17 with local historian and author, Glenn Hening. The…

Through April 30 — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlán from Guadalajara in free concerts, workshops

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! proudly presents Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlán from Guadalajara, Mexico. The group of eleven women offer three free family concerts showcasing their traditional sound at Isla Vista School, Friday, April 28, at 7 pm;…

April 30 — Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitán to perform at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

SANTA BARBARA — Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitán will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 30 the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. In just ten years, Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitán from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico have established their…

Through April 30 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum to present 26th Annual High School Art Exhibition

OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum will be exhibiting art work from students of the Oxnard Union High School District from April 3 – April 30, 2017. On Thursday, April 6 from 5-7pm, a reception and awards ceremony will…

April 28 — Los Angeles consuls general from Canada and Mexico to speak about NAFTA at CSUCI

CAMARILLO — Consuls General to Canada and Mexico will give their perspectives on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) during an upcoming presentation at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). The public is invited to “NAFTA’s Economic Progress 2017” from 10 a.m. to 3…

Oscar Jimenez-Castellanos to present ‘Intersection of Language, Class, Ethnicity, and Policy: Towards Disrupting Inequality for English Language Learners’ on May 15

SANTA BARBARA — The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, the Department of Education, and the Chicano Studies Institute present Dr. Oscar Jimenez-Castellanos, Associate Professor of Education Policy and Evaluation at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University, giving the talk…

May 25 — From 9/11 to Now: Immigrant Rights Matter to Us All (Ahilan Arulanantham)

SANTA BARBARA — Ahilan Arulanantham will present the Diversity Lecture “From 9/11 to Now: Immigrant Rights Matter to Us All” from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25 at the UCSB Multicultural Center. Reflecting on his own family history, rulanantham, director…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson — On César Chávez Day, Let Us Remember His Call for Social Justice and Equality

SACRAMENTO – Today, on what would have been his 90th birthday, we celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader and labor organizer César Chávez. State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement: “Today we recognize and honor César Chávez’s remarkable…

Hundreds of Central Coast Students and Educators Participate in Global Entrepreneurship Summit

SOLVANG — More than 200 students, teachers, career counselors, and administrators from regional high schools met at the Hotel Corque in Solvang on March 17 for the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit hosted by the Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Scheinfeld…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson introduces bill to encourage building of innovative affordable housing for seniors

SACRAMENTO – Inspired by Rona Barrett’s efforts building the Golden Inn and Village, a housing project for low-income seniors in Solvang in Santa Barbara County, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has introduced a bill to encourage the building of similar affordable…

Bilingual commentary: Health Bill Fiasco

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…

Family Service Agency moves to new Lompoc location

LOMPOC — To better serve its clientele, Family Service Agency will begin providing services at a new location in Lompoc starting Monday, April 3, 2017. The agency purchased former medical offices, and after extensive renovations, will move staff in its senior…

Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission Hires Chief Diversity Officer

Industry Veteran and Diversity Expert Joins Gold Coast Health Plan CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission (VCMMCC) today announced that Douglas C. Freeman has accepted the position of chief diversity officer (CDO), at Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP). Mr. Freeman…

Local Teens Practice Lawmaking in Sacramento as Lompoc Family YMCA Youth & Government Delegates

LOMPOC —  The Channel Islands YMCA Youth & Government delegation joined more than 3,000 youth from throughout California for the 69th Model Legislature & Court held Feb. 16-19 at the Sacramento Convention Center and State Capitol. Among them was Lompoc…

Challenging the status quo is theme of CSUCI’s Conference for Social Justice in Education on April 1

CAMARILLO — Homework may be an outdated notion. Holding underperforming students back a grade may set them up to fail. Maybe students shouldn’t be grouped according to age. Long-held concepts in education will be challenged during CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 9thAnnual Conference for…

SBCC Study Abroad plans Summer Trips to Cuba, London, Rome

SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Study Abroad will be holding several informational meetings about its summer 2017 programs suited for community members and eligible high school students who are interested in personal development or earning college units. The programs do not have a major…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson bill to provide job-protected leave for new parents passes out of committee

SACRAMENTO — As momentum continues to grow nationwide for stronger family leave policies, a bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to ensure that more Californians can take leave to care for a newborn without the fear of losing their jobs has passed…

Bilingual commentary: In an Idyllic Political World…

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…

Segue now at Ventura College

By Jerry Beckerman • Executive Director Segue Career Path Mentors Program We are thrilled to announce that Segue is now serving students at Ventura College and, for the first time, at a wonderful high school in Oxnard, Pacifica High. Please consider bringing your…

Anuncios del Consulado de México en Oxnard

Departamento de Comunidades Mexicanas ¡Aviso importante! A los que viven en la ciudad de Santa Maria, les comunicamos que el próximo sábado 25 de marzo se estará revisando documentación para el trámite de la doble nacionalidad. Les recordamos que el…

SBCC’s Oscar Zavala, Retiring Counselor, Helped Students Across 3-decade Career (The Channels)

By Cassidy L. Bartolo • Channels Staff • SBCC Students trickle into the Academic Counseling Center with a slew of questions for the counseling staff as the spring semester gets into gear. Academic counselor Oscar Zavala, 62, eagerly stands up behind his window plastered…

SBCC Student Awarded National Engineers Week Scholarship

SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Aerospace Engineering student Jeffrey Sorenson was recently awarded The E-Week Scholarship for Engineering, one of ten college students in the combined counties of Santa Barbara and Ventura to receive the award. The scholarships of $1,000 for each…

Teresa Segovia announced as new executive director of El Centrito Family Learning Centers

OXNARD — The Board of Directors for El Centrito Family Learning Centers is pleased to announce the appointment of Teresa Segovia as its Executive Director. Teresa officially joined the organization’s leadership on March 1, 2017. “El Centrito provides extraordinary, high quality…

Dole Packaged Foods Receives 2017 Rose Parade Sweepstakes Trophy in Presentation Event, March 21

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Dole Packaged Foods will be accepting its seventh Tournament of Roses float award in a ceremony at its headquarters in Westlake Village on Tuesday March 21st. Dole’s float, “Spirit of Hawaii,” won the Sweepstakes Trophy for most…

April 21-22 — Oxnard College to present 36th anniversary of Ballet Folklórico Mestizo

OXNARD — Oxnard College will present its 36th anniversary of Ballet Folklórico Mestizo at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Tickets are available at…

April 22 — Santa Paula Art Museum to present ‘The Land of Light,’ Youth-led Event Inspires a Community through Art, Science, and Play

SANTA PAULA — An upcoming event at the Santa Paula Art Museum, Jeanette Cole Art Center invites visitors to experience a new way of seeing art in a fun and lively atmosphere where art, science, and play intersect. “The Land of…

April 23 – Che Malambo to perform at UCSB

SANTA BARBARA — Che Malambo will perform at 7 a.m. Sunday, April 23 at Campbell Hall, UCSB. “A thrilling display… 14 stomping, drumming, roaring men pounded rapid-fire rhythms into the ground with many surfaces of their feet – heels, toes, inside…

Bilingual commentary: The Gravitational Pull to “Go Back Home”

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…

Sunrise Rotary Supports Bright Smiles for the Sixth Consecutive Year at Eastside Family Dental Clinic

SANTA BARBARA — The skies cleared on Friday, February 24th for the Free Dental Day at Eastside Family Dental Clinic. The event has been sponsored by Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise since 2012 and has provided hundreds with dental procedures…

2017 California Strawberry Festival seeks unique submissions for annual Berry Blast Off Recipe Contest

OXNARD — Calling all strawberry lovers with a passion for creating culinary masterpieces.  You could win a vacation getaway when you enter the 2017 California Strawberry Festival Berry Blast Off Recipe Contest, presented by the Ventura County Star. All contestants who submit…

Gold Coast Transit District Says THANKS on Transit Driver Appreciation Day on March 17

VENTURA COUNTY — Gold Coast Transit District along with transit agencies across the country are saying THANKS on Friday, March 17th, in celebration of Transit Driver Appreciation Day.  Please join the District in doing the same. Bus operators are experts in…

Survey Shows Success of Local Caregiver Awareness Campaign

As a result of the Caring Together Lompoc campaign, 50% of community members surveyed are now more aware of caregiving; 40% now identify as a caregiver LOMPOC — This past summer, the Caring Together Lompoc campaign launched with the goal of helping community members self-identify…

April 5 — Rick Najera’s Latino Thought Makers Presents Dolores Huerta at Oxnard College

Nationally Recognized Show to Honor Labor Legend and Civil Rights Activist April 5 at Oxnard College’s Performing Arts Center, plus FREE Admission OXNARD — In collaboration with the Ventura County Community College District and Oxnard College, Rick Najera’s Latino Thought Makers will honor…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson bill to clean up beaches by plugging old, leaking oil wells passes out of committee

SACRAMENTO – Just a few weeks after erosion exposed eight abandoned oil wells along Summerland Beach in Santa Barbara County, two of them visibly leaking oil, a bill by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to monitor and cap California’s old, abandoned wells has…

SBCC’s Kick Butts Day on March 15 Sheds Light on Tobacco/Related Issues

SANTA BARBARA — Friendship Plaza on Santa Barbara City College’s East Campus will be transformed into a giant ashtray — cigarette butts and all — for “Kick Butts Day,” on Wednesday, March 15, from 10:00-2:00, to increase awareness and understanding of tobacco…

Bilingual report: March 28 — Ventura County Community Development Corporation hosts free credit improvement workshop

OXNARD — The Ventura County Community Development Corporation will host a free credit improvement workshop from 6 to 6:45 p.m. (English) and 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. (español) Tuesday, March 28 at the VCCDC Home Ownership Center, 2231 Sturgis Road, Suite A. Oxnard. Click…

SB Resident Col. Phil Conran Inducted into the Fordham University Military and New York City ROTC Hall of Fame

SANTA BARBARA — Col. Phil Conran (USAF, ret) is one of three new inductees into the Fordham University Military and New York City ROTC Hall of Fame. Inductees are honored based on their contributions through active or reserve components of…

Local Military Historian’s Research Results in Posthumous Legion of Valor Enrollment

Research conducted by Adam Lewis, local historian for the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF), has resulted in the posthumous enrollment of Frank Robert McCrary into the Legion of Valor. Lewis retired this year from his position as a PCVF board…

SBCC Scheinfeld Center Introduces Community to Local Startup Incubators, Accelerators and Workspaces

SANTA BARBARA — The SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation hosted a panel Feb. 10 at the Fé Bland Forum on the Santa Barbara City College campus to help students and community members learn about local startup incubators, accelerators and…

Cathy Murillo, Sherry Villanueva, Alicia Flores and Dr. Cynthia Herrera among those to be honored by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson as ‘Women of the Year’ in Santa Barbara and Ventura

SANTA BARBARA – OXNARD – To commemorate Women’s History Month, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) will honor eight women from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as the 19th Senate District’s 2017 ‘Women of the Year’ in separate ceremonies in each county. The…

Bilingual commentary: Boomers in La La Land

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 Irwin Honors Ventura County Superior Court Judge Michele Castillo as 2017 Woman of the Year

SACRAMENTO – The California Legislative Women’s Caucus once again sponsored the annual “Woman of the Year” celebration, at the State Capitol, as part of Women’s History Month. Today, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) recognized the Honorable Michele Castillo as the…

Assemblymember Irwin Introduces Workforce Development Legislation

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) has introduced two bills to modernize community colleges and prepare students for the 21st century economy. Assemblymember Irwin, chair of the Select Committee on Cybersecurity, introduced AB 405 which would create…

Ventura County Board of Supervisors Presents Laguna Farms With Health Champion Award

Local Farming Company Recognized for Workplace Wellness  OXNARD — Laguna Farms, berry grower in Ventura County and affiliate of Reiter Affiliated Companies, will receive the ‘Health Champion’ award on March 7, 2017 at the Board of Supervisors meeting for their commitment…

Ventura County Go Red For Women Luncheon Raises Awareness About Women and Cardiovascular Disease

“Life is Why” Sponsor Dignity Health Central Coast Helps Raise $236,000 to Fight Heart Disease & Stroke  WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The American Heart Association (AHA) hosted its annual Ventura County Go Red For Women Luncheon on Friday, February 24, 2017, at the…

Limón To Honor Ojai Woman as 37th Assembly District Woman of the Year

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) will honor Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, an active Ojai resident and the tribal leader of the Barbareño-Ventureño Band of Mission Indians, as the 37th Assembly District 2017 Woman of the Year today. “It is a privilege and an…

Nomi Wagner wins 34th annual California Strawberry Festival Official Poster Contest

OXNARD — Using a unique medium that combines traditional watercolor painting with fine art digital technology, artist Nomi Wagner of Oxnard won the California Strawberry Festival 34th Annual Poster Contest. Nomi’s winning entry was revealed today to dignitaries and Festival sponsors gathered…

Whale Watch Season is Now Underway with Island Packers

Enjoy watching the gentle giants of the sea and dolphins too! VENTURA-OXNARD — Winter whale watching off the beautiful Central Coast of California runs from December to mid April. An Island Packers whale watch is a perfect way to gather with…

Santa Barbara Go Red For Women Luncheon Raises Awareness About Women and Cardiovascular Disease

SANTA BARBARA — The American Heart Association (AHA) hosted its annual Santa Barbara Go Red For Women Luncheon on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort with the goal of raising awareness about the risk of cardiovascular…

Limón to Chair Newly Created Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) was appointed by Speaker Anthony Rendon to Chair a Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector. According to California Association on Nonprofits, a statewide policy alliance of more than 10,000 nonprofits, the nonprofit sector is…

Bilingual commentary: Impermanence

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…

Case study on a Newbury Park social business earns national award for CSUCI instructor and graduate student

CAMARILLO — A CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Business Lecturer and a Business graduate student are winners of the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) 2017 Conference Outstanding Teaching Case Award, held in Philadelphia last month. Instructor Maria Ballesteros-Sola, who teaches…

Ventura Brand Development Firm Adds Social Media, Public Relations expert

VENTURA — Consortium Media + Public Relations (CM+PR), a firm specializing in integrating marketing, branding, media relations, multimedia and social media, has added nationally known social media strategist and writer Emily Savage to its team. Savage is a journalist, social…

May 3 — Season Finale of Latino Thought Makers to Honor Remarkable Women at Oxnard College

Interview Series to Feature Pilar Marrero (La Opinion), Patty Rodriguez (On Air with Ryan Seacrest) and Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio, Ph.D. (The Buckley School) OXNARD — In collaboration with Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and Oxnard College, Rick Najera’s Latino Thought Makers will…

May 13 — Gold Coast Health Plan to present 6th annual Community Resource Fair in Oxnard

OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan will host their 6th Annual Community Resource Fair at Plaza Park in Oxnard. Free health screenings and resource information will be offered by various health and community agencies. Please see flyer for more information.

April 16 — Easter Services First United Methodist Church, Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — First United Methodist Church, Santa Barbara will celebrate the glory of our Risen Lord with worship services on Easter Sunday at 9:00am and 10:45am.  The identical services will feature anthems by the Chancel Choir including Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”,…

April 14-15 — The Collection at RiverPark Hops into spring with Bunny Hop event and photos

OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark will be hosting its family favorite Bunny Hop event sponsored by Natural Green Landscape, on Saturday, April 8. The expanded holiday event will host a range of spring-themed activities and a special visit from…

May 11 — Ventura County Climate Hub to present ‘Out with the Old, In with the New’

The Ventura County Climate Hub will  present “Out with the Old, In with the New” on Thursday, May 11 in Ventura. WHAT: The Ventura County Climate Hub invites the public to hear leaders of two partner organizations in a program called…

April 19 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum to present ‘Shifting Sands: The Early Years of Channel Islands Harbor’

OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum historian and author, Cherie Brant will give her lecture “Shifting Sands: The Early Years of Channel Islands Harbor” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard. The story of…

April 19 — ‘An Evening with Isabel Allende’

SANTA BARBARA — “An Evening with Isabel Allende” will be presented from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. “Allende’s books feel like ornate fairy tales, velvety and otherworldly and sly,…

April 26 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to present Artist Talk with Tanya Aguiñiga

SANTA BARBARA — The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara will present “Artist Talk with Tanya Aguiñiga” at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 at the Physical Science Building Room 101, Santa Barbara City College Aguiñiga, a prominent social practice artist from Tijuana, Mexico, will discuss…

April 22 — Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival

Join the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) 47th annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, Saturday April 22, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year’s festival, themed “Educate. Inspire. Act.”, will…

April 11 — Assemblymember Monique Limón to hold Ventura District Office Open House

VENTURA — Assemblymember Monique Limón will hold a Ventura District Office Open House from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 at the 37th Assembly District Office, 89 S. California St., Suite F, Ventura. Contact 805-641-3700, 805-564-1649 or send an email…

YCE, Inc. rolls out the “green carpet” to over 300 guests for “Dream Big” movie premiere on Feb. 26

VENTURA — Ventura-based YCE, Inc. a woman-owned engineering and surveying firm, hosted the local premiere of Dream Big – Engineering Our World at the Collection’s Century Riverpark 16 theater on Feb. 26. Over 300 enthusiastic guests were greeted by YCE, Inc. owner Marta…

April 13 — Poet Laureate Richard Blanco to speak at Ventura College

VENTURA — Diversity in Culture Festival Featured Presentation: Poet Laureate Richard Blanco, Thursday, April 13 at 1pm in the Ventura College Applied Science Center, Room 150. Seating is limited, free admission, please reserve your tickets on EventBrite. Richard Blanco, the fifth Inaugural poet of…

April 4 — CSUCI to be bathed in blue in honor of “Light it Up Blue” Global Autism Awareness

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) sophomore Samuel Capozzi doesn’t speak in the traditional sense, but his is the voice of many with autism. Capozzi, 21, will be one of the students with autism who will address the crowd at CSUCI’s 6thAnnual…

Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government Delegates Return from Training & Elections Conference in Fresno

VENTURA — The Channel Islands YMCA Youth & Government delegation joined more than 3,500 youth from across the state in Fresno for their second Training & Elections conference held Jan. 14-16 at the Fresno Convention Center. Twenty-four teens with the…

Through April 2 — LA artists share personal stories with sculpture and photography in art exhibit at CSUCI

CAMARILLO — The work of Los Angeles artists Lesley Krane and Cecilia Z. Miguez will be on display from March 1 through April 2 at the John Spoor Broome Library Gallery on the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus. The opening reception of…

April 3 — With “Eat Local” Focus, Pioneering Community Magazine Organization with Editions Across North America Celebrates 15 Years Edible Ojai & Ventura County Marks Milestone Anniversary

VENTURA COUNTY — Regional magazine Edible Ojai & Ventura County, part of Edible Communities–the James Beard Foundation award-winning family of 100 locally owned and licensed food magazines—is celebrating its 15th anniversary this spring. It’s a milestone shared by its parent…

Bilingual report: Ventura County’s Indigenous Language Radio Station Launches on FM

OXNARD — The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is thrilled to announce that our indigenous language radio station, Radio Indigena, can now be reached on your FM dial. After three years of careful preparation, training, and initial internet broadcasting, Radio Indigena…

April 9 — Museum of Ventura County Launches New Monthly Series, La Vida Local—Leadership Perspectives

VENTURA — The Museum of Ventura County is launching a new monthly discussion series, La Vida Local—Leadership Perspectives, featuring moderated conversations with Ventura County leaders sharing their vision for the future. The first event takes place 1–2:30 p.m., April 9,…

May 5 — Reservations being accepted for 28th annual El Concilio Family Services’ Latino Leadership Awards

OXNARD — Reservations are being accepted for 28th annual El Concilio Family Services’ Latino Leadership Awards from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 5 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. The 2017 Honorees are: Cesar Morales,Ed.D. Javier…

April 15 — Chicana/o Studies Summit of Ventura County to be held at Oxnard College

OXNARD — Connecting the Community to the University with Self Determination SATURDAY APRIL 15th 9 am-5 pm OXNARD COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS BUILDING Lunch Provided! Keynote Speaker at 11:15 am: Dr. Irene Vasquez, Chicana/o Studies, University of New Mexico Cultural Pachanga Reception at…

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Welcomes Joseph S. Hardin. Jr. as New Board Member

CENTRAL COAST — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) welcomes Joseph S. Hardin, Jr. to the Board of Directors. Hardin brings many years of leadership experience in the military, corporate America and nonprofit organizations. Hardin graduated from the United States Military Academy…

Lompoc Family YMCA Kicks Off 2017 Annual Campaign

LOMPOC – The Lompoc Family YMCA on Feb. 15 kicked off its Annual Campaign, which brings together staff, board members and volunteers to raise funds to provide scholarships that will enable the Y to “Build a Better Lompoc.” The Lompoc Family…

April 12 — Story of Local Doughboy Will Come to Life at WWI Luncheon Hosted by Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and Channel City Club

Re-enactor Damian Stellabott depicting Pvt. John Thomas Hall. The account of John Thomas Hall – one of at least 61 men from Santa Barbara County who died during World War I – will be retold on April 12 at a…

Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA Kicks Off 2017 Annual Campaign

Funds raised allow families and individuals in need to access life-changing Y programs SANTA YNEZ  — The Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA launched its Annual Campaign on Feb. 1, 2017. The Y hosted a kickoff event that featured inspirtational testimonails from…

April 12 — “Over There – WWI 100 Years On”

“Over There – WWI 100 Years On” Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation & The Channel City Club The Channel City Club, in collaboration with the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, presents “Over There – WWI 100 Years On,” a luncheon commemorating the…

April 13 — Half Full or Half Empty: Managing Water Conflicts and Encouraging Collaboration

VENTURA — Thanks to recent rains, many are tempted to think the drought is over. Learn the opinions of three local water experts as they share their insight at Half Full or Half Empty: Managing Water Conflicts and Encouraging Collaboration, 5:30–7:30…

April 8 — ‘Selenamos – A Selena Quintanilla Tribute Band’ to perform in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — “Selenamos – A Selena Quintanilla Tribute Band” will perform Saturday, April 8 at Del Pueblo Cafe, 5134 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara. Selenamos, anyone? What happens when you turn the late, iconic Mexican-American cumbia goddess, Selena into a verb?…

Ventura Family YMCA Volunteers Finished 2016 by Giving Back During Holidays; Will Continue Efforts in 2017

VENTURA — By the close of 2016, volunteers and community supporters with the Ventura Family YMCA supported local people in need through a variety of charitable drives. About 600 people attended Breakfast with Santa in December, which collected hundreds of…

March 24 — Community Leader and Senior Hydrologist to be the Camarillo Man of the Year

CAMARILLO — The Camarillo Chamber of Commerce will honor Max Copenhagen as “Man of the year” on March 24th. He is a prominent community leader, and is the Senior Hydrologist and Project Manager at Hasan Consultants, a Ventura Civil and Environmental…

March 26 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara will present “takepart | makeart: arte para todos” opening celebration & ribbon cutting

SANTA BARBARA — The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara will present “takepart | makeart: arte para todos” opening celebration & ribbon cutting from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 26 at Stearns Wharf. Art, food, festival, and fun on the…

March 25 — Studio Channel Islands’ to present 2017 Collectors Choice fundraiser

CAMARILLO — Studio Channel Islands’ 2017 Collectors Choice fundraiser promises to be the most spectacular event yet. Over 100 artists from across the United States have donated artwork into the exhibition and every ticket holder for the March 25th fundraising event is guaranteed to walk away with a piece worth a minimum…

March 23 — Prominent Legislative Advocate To Discuss The Future Of Mental Health Services

SANTA BARBARA — Rusty Selix, JD., a mental health advocate and policy expert in California’s mental health system for nearly four decades, will be the featured speaker for the March NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Southern Santa Barbara County…

Through March 24 — Locals Loan WWI Helmets to UCSB Exhibit Showcasing Evolution of Modern Warfare

SANTA BARBARA — An exhibition at UC Santa Barbara, “Helmets of the First World War: Battle, Technology and Culture,” highlights an innovation from the trenches of WWI and the birth of modern warfare by featuring steel helmets. The exhibition is…

March 22 — “Pay to Play” the new Social Media Reality? And How Can You “Play to Win?” – Changing the Rules of Marketing

OXNARD — Are your company’s marketing skills hitting the mark? The way companies promote brands affects their ability to navigate social media in 2017. This is the topic of the March 22 Public Relations Society of America Gold Coast Chapter…