Category: Local

March 22 — Museum of Ventura County to present ‘La Voz de la Colonia, 1926-1932 -The Mexican Community’s News Source from 1926-1932’ by Dr. Jose Alamillo

VENTURA — Museum of Ventura County to present “La Voz de la Colonia, 1926-1932 -The Mexican Community’s News Source from 1926-1932” by Dr. Jose Alamillo from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22 at 100 E. Main St., Ventura, in…

March 21 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Andrea Bowers and Marcos Ramírez ERRE: ‘A Conversation Beyond Borders’

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present Andrea Bowers and Marcos Ramírez ERRE:  “A Conversation Beyond Borders” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21 at the Mary Craig Auditorium, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. SBMA…

Through March 17 — UCSB Multicultural Center begins year with Winter Art Exhibit: ‘The Radical Imagination’

SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center’s “Resilient Love in a Time of Hate Series” will present the “Winter Art Exhibit: The Radical Imagination” continuing through March 17 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, MCC Theatre, UCSB. Favianna Rodriguez’s art and collaborative projects…

12 de marzo — Cine en Domingo: ‘Escuela de Vagabundos (1955) – ‘School for Tramps’ en Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard: Les compartimos la siguiente información que puede resultar de su interés. ¿Qué? Proyección de la película Escuela de Vagabundos (1955) – “School for Tramps” – with English Subtitles ¿Cuándo? Domingo 12 de marzo a las 3:00 pm. ¿Dónde? 1214…

March 18 — Teatro de las Américas to present for one night only ‘Esperanza Rising’

OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas to present for one night only “Esperanza Rising” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. “Esperanza Rising” is a story of a young girl…

March 8 — Chicana feminism is at the heart of CSUCI’s “Celebrating la Mujer” event

CAMARILLO — A noted Los Angeles artist poet and a host of prominent Chicana women will speak, teach and perform at a day-long event at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) on Wednesday, March 8. Sponsored by the Chicana/o Studies, Spanish and Art program, “Celebrating…

March 8 — Pet-tini Charity Event at The Collection at RiverPark Celebrates Canine Connections with Comedy and More

Fundraiser to benefit Hands to Cuddle Paws to Love program OXNARD — Animal lovers and advocates will be treated to a fun evening of laughs and delicious fare, all in the name of charity. On Wednesday, March 8, The Collection at…

Museum of Ventura County: Community Conversations Continue — ‘We Want to Hear From You!’ on March 15

The Museum of Ventura County, along with its community partners, California Lutheran University and TOLD Corporation, is pleased to invite the public to attend a Community Outreach Meeting on March 15 at 5 pm at the California Lutheran University Lundring Events Center. The…

March 9 — UCSB sociologist Victor Rios to discuss how emotional support from authority figures impacts the lives of marginalized students

By Andrea Estrada / UCSB Research on students who overcome adversity to successfully navigate higher education has shown that emotionally relevant educators often make the difference, by fostering the resilience that makes success possible. No one knows that better than…

March 19 — Celebrity Artists Join with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley to Honor Local Youth & Volunteers during the 14th Annual ‘Superstars of the Year’ Celebration

THOUSAND OAKS — The community is invited to attend one of the signature events for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley – ‘14th Annual Superstars of the Year Celebration’.   This free, annual event, is open to all ages…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson introduces bill to create ‘California Trusts Women’ pro-choice license plate

SACRAMENTO – With reproductive rights and funding being threatened by the Trump Administration and the Republican-controlled Congress, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has introduced a bill to create a specialized reproductive freedom license plate, with proceeds benefiting reproductive health care services…

Bilingual report: California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) Means Money Back for Working Californians

California’s working families may be eligible to receive money back through tax credits that can be claimed simply by filing a tax return on or before April 18. Between the state California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and the companion…

Bilingual commentary: Winning the Lottery

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…

Oxnard to be Featured on National Public Travel Television Series

Family Travel with Colleen Kelly to film in Oxnard this March OXNARD — Oxnard’s golden beaches, attractions, majestic offshore Islands, picturesque Channel Islands Harbor its diverse restaurants and more will be featured on Family Travel with Colleen Kelly, a popular national public…

Oxnard teen honored as BGCOP’s Youth of the Year

OXNARD — Singled out among several outstanding youth, 18-year-old Nathan Llorin has been chosen as this year’s Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. A four-year Club member, Llorin is a…

Oxnard artist to receive Arts & Accessibility Grant from the National Arts and Disability Center

            OXNARD — Oxnard artist, Ana Carrillo, will be awarded funds from the National Arts and Disability Center at UCLA through the Arts and Accessibility Grant Program to advance her artistic career. Funds from the Arts…

Bilingual commentary: Mexican Outrage

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…

UCSB Scholar Jorge Luis Castillo receives PEN Club award for volume of short stories

By Jim Logan / UCSB For his latest book, “La Virgen de los Boleros” (Isla Negra), Jorge Luis Castillo decided to step outside his literary comfort zone. In the collection of eight short stories, the professor of Spanish and Portuguese at UC Santa Barbara…

Volunteers to be Honored at Wish Night 2017 Gala

CENTRAL COAST — Two volunteers will be honored by Make-A-Wish® Tri-Counties at the 8th Annual Wish Night gala on March 3 at the Hyatt Regency in Westlake Village. Meredith Garofalo/KEYT News Channel 3 has been named community partner of the…

Centerpoint Mall Offers Sweetheart Shopping And Dining Spots For Valentine’s Day

OXNARD — Centerpoint Mall retailers have many sweetheart spots to shop and dine at the more than 34 retail, specialty, entertainment and restaurants ranging from apparel and jewelry to candy and gift cards, among others. Centerpoint Mall is the popular…

San Luis Obispo Wear Red Day Luncheon Raises Awareness About Women and Cardiovascular Disease

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The American Heart Association (AHA) hosted its annual Wear Red Luncheon in San Luis Obispo on Friday, February 3, 2017 at the San Luis Obispo Country Club with the goal of raising awareness about the risk…

Ventura County Public Works Agency receives grant funding to capture stormwater for groundwater recharge in Piru

PIRU — The Ventura County Public Works Agency Watershed Protection District’s (VCPWA WPD) proposed Piru Stormwater Capture for Groundwater Recharge project was selected for funding of $455,837 by the State Water Resources Control Board under Proposition 1 Storm Water Grant Program,…

Tickets on sale now for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy’s 8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival

VENTURA — Tickets are on sale now for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy’s (VHC) 8th annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival (WSFF). Held high on the hill at Ventura’s Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd., on Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4, the WSFF…

Ventura County Legislators Urge Reevaluation of Puente Power Project

SACRAMENTO – As the California Energy Commission undertakes multiple days of hearings in Oxnard regarding the proposed Puente Power Project, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara),Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), and Senator Henry Stern (D-Canoga Park) have released the following statements urging commissioners to pause and reevaluate…

Guest Column: The Latino Art & Cultural Center of Oxnard

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. Armando Vazquez. Courtesy photo. By…

Bilingual commentary: Trump’s Alternative Universe

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 reintroduces bill to clean up beaches by plugging old, leaking oil wells

SACRAMENTO — State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) is continuing her efforts to protect California beaches by reintroducing a bill to monitor and cap California’s old, abandoned and leaking oil wells. Senate Bill 44, the Coastal Oil Well Clean Up and Remediation Act,…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Names New Board Members

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to welcome Kevin Baird and Jaqueline Pawela-Crew to its board of directors. Kevin Baird CFP®, AIF®, AACEP brings more than 27 years of experience in the financial services industry to Girls Inc.’s…

Local Businesses to Host Job Shadow Day for Academy Students

Young Learners Get Real-World View into Professions OXNARD – Twelve local businesses will host students from the Oxnard Union High School District Linked Learning academies for a job shadowing project aimed at introducing young people to potential career paths aligned with…

Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Expands Board of Trustees

VENTURA — The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) recently announced the induction of a new president and three new members to their board of trustees.  In Jan., 2017, Paul Meehan was elected as VHC president and Steve Doll, John Hankins (VHC secretary) and Ed…

Channel Islands Maritime Museum is Recruiting New Volunteers

OXNARD — Channel Islands Maritime Museum is recruiting new volunteers. Our volunteers are the backbone of the Museum. We couldn’t run without them. As a volunteer there are dozens of different ways to contribute your time. Conduct tours for visitors Staff the…

Gene Haas Foundation Awards $185,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme

OXNARD — The Gene Haas Foundation recently awarded $185,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme in support of the Club’s many programs, including STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math), and life-enhancing programs such…

The Collection at RiverPark to offer two more shops for tots

OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark, Ventura County’s burgeoning center which offers an unrivaled shopping, dining and entertainment experience, has announced the addition of popular baby and children’s clothing brands Carter’s and OshKosh to its retail line-up. Carter’s and OshKosh…

March 4 — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Celebrates Cavity Free Children

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics celebrates Children’s Dental Health on Saturday, March 4, 2017 by giving special recognition to children who are cavity free. Over one-hundred cavity free children ages 3 to 12, who are patients at one of…

Through May 3 — California Rural Legal Assistance to present free bilingual educational workshops in Oxnard

OXNARD — The California Rural Legal Assistance will present present free educational workshops in Oxnard. Workshops are open to both students and parents in Spanish and translation to English or Mixteco can be made available upon request.     “Become An Educational…

March 1 — Mental Wellness Center and SBCC Wellness Connection Bring “The Love Effect” to Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — The Mental Wellness Center, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Wellness Connection, and San Marcos High School Wellness Connection Club are bringing “The Love Effect” to Santa Barbara and the community is invited to join the movement. The…

March 3 — Wish Night 2017

CENTRAL COAST — Make-A-Wish® Tri-Counties will be hosting their 8th Annual Wish Night gala celebrating the power of a wish to inspire hope, strength and joy to courageous children battling life-threatening medical conditions. This year’s event will be held 6-9:30…

UCSB Chicana/o Studies scholar Aída Hurtado gives remarks at historic Women’s March on Washington

By Shelly Leachman • UCSB As a scholar, Aída Hurtado has marked multiple firsts in her study and teaching of Chicana/o studies and feminist theory. And now she’s made history of another kind, as a featured speaker at the recent…

Bilingual commentary: A Daughter’s Birthday

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…

Mental Wellness Center Welcomes Two New Board Members

SANTA BARBARA — The Mental Wellness Center is proud to announce the appointments of Ned Emerson and Vickie Gonzales to its Board of Directors. Ned Emerson brings over four decades of business and sales experience to the Mental Wellness Center’s…

Monique Limón “Counter Plans” for Inauguration

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) announced how she would be observing the days around the swearing in ceremonies of President-Elect Trump. “Several people have asked me what I will be doing when the 45th President of the United States…

Small Business Organizations Give Assemblymember Irwin Top Marks

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) was honored by the California Small Business Association and California Small Business Roundtable with the Summa Cum Laude distinction in their 2016 Legislative Honor Roll. Assemblymember Irwin was recognized for her extraordinary support…

Bilingual commentary: Refusing to Discuss

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…

Guest commentary: Professor, You’re Being Watched!?

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. Frank P. Barajas. Courtesy photo.…

Guest column: Residents hold the KEYS to Transform Oxnard into a Premier Art City of California

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. Armando Vazquez. Courtesy photo. By…

New Affordable Housing for Seniors Breaks Ground

SANTA BARBARA — After 113 years in the Santa Barbara community, Grace Lutheran Church began a new chapter on Jan. 5 with a groundbreaking to celebrate the start of construction of Grace Village, a new housing community for low-income seniors. Held…

Assemblymember Irwin received the “Golden Bear Award” from the California Enlisted Association of the National Guard (CAL EANGUS)

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) was honored by the California Enlisted Association of the National Guard (CAL EANGUS) with the prestigious “Golden Bear Award” for her impressive work improving the lives of California’s National Guard members. “Assemblywoman Irwin…

Unite to Light Partners with Innovative Mobile Donation App: Coin Up Turning Spare Change into Meaningful Change

Santa Barbara nonprofit aims to increase awareness and expand reach in 2017 SANTA BARBARA — Unite to Light has joined efforts with Coin Up to offer an innovative and efficient way for donors and activists to help their favorite cause using…

Bilingual commentary: The Changing World of Retail

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…

Ventura County Public Works Agency projects receive top honors at American Public Works Association award ceremony

VENTURA COUNTY – The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) can add three more recognitions to its list of notable accolades. This month, the American Public Works Association (APWA) Ventura County chapter announced its Projects of the Year awards, honoring three…

Gold Coast Transit District’s Robert Lurie, Director of Fleet and Facilities, retires after 35 years

OXNARD — After nearly 35 years of dedicated service, Gold Coast Transit District’s Robert Lurie, Director of Fleet and Facilities has retired. Lurie joined GCTD (then known as SCAT) in March of 1982 as a mechanic and by 1986 he was…

LinkedIn Officially Endorses SBCC Career Skills Institute

SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Career Skills Institute is proud to announce its endorsement by LinkedIn for its outstanding efforts to build a better future for the community’s workforce and employers. The Career Skills Institute and LinkedIn share the common goal…

CSU Channel Islands receives grant to develop four-year teacher preparation programs

Grant will help university’s effort to develop Bilingual and Special Education teachers CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will receive a grant of almost $250,000 from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to develop four-year teacher preparation programs. California is experiencing…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Barbara County Celebrates 30 Years of Local Mentoring

SANTA BARBARA — In 2017, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Santa Barbara County will celebrate its 30th year of providing life-changing mentoring friendships for our community’s struggling youth. January is National Mentoring Month and currently over 80 at-risk children in Santa…

Bilingual commentary: Another Year to Build Our Lives

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…

Last chance to submit art work for official poster contest of the 2017 California Strawberry Festival

OXNARD — The final days are fast approaching so start thinking berries! Art and strawberries can be a fruitful enterprise. Enter the 34th Annual California Strawberry Festival Official Poster Contest where the winner will receive $2,000 and four VIP tickets to the celebration…

Channel Island’s Maritime Museum Offers “Groups Only” Days for Customized Events

OXNARD — Private groups may now claim the Channel Island Maritime Museum as theirs exclusively for events and tours, the Museum recently announced. Perched on some of the most scenic waterfront property in Ventura County, the Museum gives visitors a…

Through Feb. 12 — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Ballet Hispánico

SANTA BARBARA — Doors open one half hour before the show starts. Reception follows concert. Las puertas se abrirán media hora antes de la functión. Habrá recepción después del concierto. More info: (805) 252-3493 or facebook.com/vivaelartesb Ballet Hispánico brings communities…

Through Jan. 31 — KHAY’s Dave Daniels Joins Foster VC for “Open Heart” Home Drive

VENTURA COUNTY — Every child deserves a family, and this New Year, 100.7 KHAY’s Dave Daniels hopes that by joining Foster VC Kids for their “Open Heart” drive, through Jan. 31st, more dedicated families who are ready for the life-changing experience…

Feb. 24 — ‘An Evening of Chican@ Rock: Quetzal,” The Hub, Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center is hosting An Evening of Chicano Rock with East L.A. band QUETZAL on Friday, February 24th at 8 pm. A Grammy-Award winning East LA Chican@ rock group, Quetzal is the collaborative project of Quetzal Flores (guitar),…

Feb. 21 — Bilingual Presentation “Laundry in 18th and 19th century Mexico” by Marie Francois, Ph.D., Professor of History

Santa Paula — Bilingual Presentation — “Laundry in 18th and 19th century Mexico” by Marie Francois, Ph.D., Professor of History, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, Blanchard Community Library, 119 North 8th Street, Santa Paula. Abstract: Las lavanderas de la ciudad de México…

Feb. 25 — Social Justice Fund for Ventura County presenting free workshop — ‘Hidden Prejudice: Barriers to Success in Education’

CAMARILLO — The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County will present the free workshop — “Hidden Prejudice: Barriers to Success in Education” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Ventura County Community Foundation, 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo.…

Feb. 24 — Ventura County Go Red For Women Luncheon set for the Four Seasons – Westlake Village

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The American Heart Association will host its annual Ventura County Go Red For Women Luncheon on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Four Seasons – Westlake Village, Two Dole Drive in Westlake Village. The Luncheon will begin…

Feb. 4 — Beowulf: The Bear’s Son – A reading by local author Jon Christopher – at the Ojai Library

SUBJECT: Beowulf: The Bear’s Son – A reading by local author Jon Christopher – at the Ojai Library CONTACT: Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, (805) 218-9146 Julie Albright, Youth Librarian, (805) 646-6019 DATE: February 4, 2017; 2 p.m. Local author Jon…

Feb. 25-26 — Consulado Móvil in Santa Maria

Dears friends: On behalf of the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard it is my pleasure to share with you the following information: On Saturday February 25th and Sunday February 26th 2017 we will have aMobile Consulate in the City of Santa Maria California We will be from 8:00…

Feb. 18-19 — Art Comes Alive at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum

OXNARD — Visitors of all ages can enjoy an assortment of maritime mysteries associated with the life and times of historical characters, portrayed by volunteers in period costume, and hear stories about the fascinating maritime heritage surrounding rare and beautiful paintings…

Through Feb. 26 — ‘On the Margin / Luchando Contra El Olvido’ at the Carnegie Art Museum

OXNARD — The exhibit of “On the Margin / Luchando Contra El Olvido” by CAM Studio Guest Artist Antonio Arredondo Juarez will be presented through Feb. 26 at the Carnegie Art Museum, 329 N. Fifth St., Oxnard. Antonio Arredondo Juarez was born…

Feb. 9 — Ventura County Climate HUB “Climate Health: Protect-Plan-Participate”

Ventura County Climate Hub Monthly Meeting 2017 Climate Protection Planning WHEN: Thursday, February 9th. Doors open 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Unitarian-Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston St, Ventura, 93003, rear parking lot to Fellowship Hall. WHAT: The Ventura County…

Feb. 11 — Grand Opening Ushers Exceptional Senior Living into Small-Town Carpinteria

CARPINTERIA — On Saturday Feb. 11th, GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care community will celebrate the grand opening of its exceptional one-of-a-kind property in the intimate beachside town of Carpinteria, CA. Celebrated for its decision not to disturb the coastline…

Feb. 9 — Speakers Rick Najera & Soraya Deen Talk Diversity at Canoga Park High School

CANOGA PARK — Diversity leaders Soraya Deen and Rick Najera will speak at Canoga Park High School in Canoga Park, CA on Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m. to raise funds for Multicultural Learning Center’s (MLC) graduating class of 2017 and for Canoga Park High…

Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. hosting Dental Health Fair on Feb. 11 in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month

OXNARD — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. If you have a baby or toddler, you may have questions about thumb sucking, your child’s first dental visit or how and when to clean your child’s teeth. If so, on February…

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson to speak at Women’s March in Los Angeles on Jan. 21

LOS ANGELES — State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) will join the Women’s March in Los Angeles tomorrow and speak at a rally held at Los Angeles City Hall. Jackson, the author of California’s landmark equal pay law and joint…

Nominations deadline is Jan. 11 for El Concilio Family Services’ 28th annual Latino Leadership Awards

OXNARD — The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 for El Concilio Family Services’ 28th annual Latino Leadership Awards. We are asking for award nominations of individuals or businesses that have made an outstanding contribution in enhancing the educational…

Jan. 28 — Ventura Hillsides Conservancy invites volunteers to plant trees at Big Rock Nature Preserve

VENTURA — The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host a community tree planting party at the Big Rock Nature Preserve near Foster Park. VHC invites volunteers of all ages to join them from 9 a.m. – 12 noon Saturday, Jan. 28 along…

Jan. 25 — Creating a Successful Branding Campaign is Topic at January PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Meeting

OXNARD — The approach to building an effective branding strategy has changed significantly over the past decade. John Silva, president and creative director at Ventura-based Dupris Group, will share his insights on creating a successful brand experience for today’s audience…

Jan. 26 — Ventura Hillsides Conservancy to host free community lecture entitled “The Comeback of the California Condor”

VENTURA — On Thurs., Jan 26. at 7 p.m., the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host a free community lecture entitled “The Comeback of the California Condor” at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura. Experts from Friends of the California Condor Wild and Free will discuss…

Jan. 26 — Spoken Word Performances by Undocumented and UndocuQueer Poets at UCSB

SANTA BARBARA — A UCSB Reads & Immigration Awareness Week event, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the UCSB Multicultural Center Lounge. Part of the UCSB READS 2017 program. Co-sponsored with Undocumented Student Services, Resource Center for Gender &…

CSUCI Assistant Professor wins national award for dissertation on representing undocumented immigrants

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) Assistant Professor of Political Science Matthew Mendez, Ph.D., has earned national recognition for his dissertation on when and how well state lawmakers represent the interests of undocumented immigrants. “Invisible Constituents: The Representation of Undocumented Immigrants” earned…

Bilingual commentary: Is Hanukkah the “Jewish Christmas”?

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…

Limón Appointed to Leadership Position in State Assembly

SACRAMENTO –  Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) was appointed Assistant Majority Whip of the California State Assembly by Speaker Anthony Rendon. “I am honored and humbled by the confidence and trust Speaker Rendon has placed in me to be an effective…

State Sen. Jackson’s Legislation To Become Law on January 1

SACRAMENTO – Among the numerous bills authored by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) this year, the following will take effect on January 1, 2017: Senate Bill 1435, School Curriculum: Healthy Relationships: Continuing her commitment to addressing youth violence, preventing sexual assault and encouraging…

Bilingual report: VCCDC Partners with City of Ventura for the Sale of 12 Affordable Condos for Low-Income Families

Orientations to be held in January 2017 Ventura County – Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), the City of Ventura, and Watts Communities at Nortbank, LLC have partnered for the resale of 12 affordable condominiums for low-income households. The 12 affordable…

State Sen. Jackson Introduces Legislation to Ensure More Californians Taking Family Leave Do Not Lose Their Jobs

SACRAMENTO – As momentum continues to grow nationwide for stronger family leave policies, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has just introduced two bills to ensure that more Californians can take leave to care for a newborn or a seriously ill family member…

8 Ways to Make Resolutions Stick in 2017: Santa Barbara Family YMCA offers tips to make lasting change

SANTA BARBARA — Making resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans. However, while choosing a resolution is easy, sticking to it can be impossible. A 2014 YMCA survey found that less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions.…

Local Youth Giving Back: Channel Islands YMCA Youth and Government Delegates Hold Clean Up Day

SANTA BARBARA — Delegates from the Channel Islands YMCA Youth and Government team recently gave back to the community by helping clean up the baseball fields at Mackenzie Park in Santa Barbara. Students from the Stuart C. Gildred (Santa Ynez),…

SBCC Scheinfeld Center Receives Funding from Spirit of Entrepreneurship Foundation for Student Awards and Scholarships

SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is pleased to announce it has received $15,000 in funding for students participating in the 2017 New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition. Two checks were provided to the…

Launch a Business Idea in a Single Semester Through SBCC Scheinfeld Center Rapid Launch Program, Now Enrolling

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is now accepting spring enrollments for its Rapid Launch Intensive program that helps students launch a business idea in a single semester. The program is open…

Spirit of Giving Food Drive Raises Over 12,000 Pounds

VENTURA COUNTY — From November 28th to December 14th, Dole Packaged Foods and FOOD Share of Ventura County collaborated on their first inaugural Spirit of Giving school food drive to empower local students to give back to those less fortunate…

Getting to Know EDC-VC’s Alondra Gaytan, SBDC Program Specialist

CAMARILLO — As a program specialist for EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center since 2014, Alondra Gaytan helps assess small business owners and innovators seeking professional/technical assistance and connects them with the appropriate resources, including SBDC’s business advisors who provide free one-on-one…

Oxnard RDA’s Successor Agency: A Christmas Story

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 As…

Jesus Nava selected as Oxnard’s new assistant city manager

OXNARD — City Manager Greg Nyhoff announced that he selected Jesus Nava as Oxnard’s new assistant city manager. Nava began his duties effective Dec. 19. He replaces Maria Hurtado and will oversee the Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology departments. He will…

Bilingual commentary: Is There Hope for the Rust Belt?

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 /…

CenCal Health Pilot Project to Help Eligible Seniors Receive At-Home Assistance

CENTRAL COAST — To ensure that vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities continue to receive at-home medical services, CenCal Health is launching a pilot project with DASH (Doctors Assisting Seniors at Home) to serve its members. DASH is a program…

CSU Channel Islands senior’s award-winning research compares success of immigrant Latinos to U.S.-born Latinos

CAMARILLO — Educating immigrants will strengthen a labor force in the long run by providing them with better skills and higher incomes. Further, Latino immigrants who arrived as children seem to fare even better with an education than children born in…

Holiday Shoppers Find Last Minute Deals At Centerpoint Mall During Final Week Before Christmas

Holiday shoppers are taking it down to the wire for Christmas gifts this season and Centerpoint Mall retailers have plenty of specials to offer at the more than 49 retail, specialty, entertainment and dining outlets ranging from apparel and electronics…

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Breaks Ground on Farm Worker Housing in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA – Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) broke ground on Los Adobes de Maria III in Santa Maria, the nonprofit’s first Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified affordable housing development ever. PSHH was joined by local dignitaries and…

Ventura County Public Works Agency appoints Glenn Shephard as new Director of Watershed Protection District

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named Glenn Shephard as the Director of its Watershed Protection District (WPD). Sheppard’s first day will be December 19. Shephard comes to Ventura County after a successful 27-year Civil Engineering career…

VCCCD Board of Trustees names Bernardo M. Perez, Chair and Arturo Hernández, Vice Chair at December Board meeting

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees named Bernardo M. Perez and Arturo Hernández Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. The vote was taken during open session at the Board meeting held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016.…

Ventura County Public Works Agency earns top honors at American Society of Civil Engineers awards

VENTURA COUNTY – The Los Angeles Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers has selected Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Happy Valley Bioswale Meiners Oaks Urban Low Impact Development (LID) Retrofit as 2016 Environmental Engineering Project of the Year. The…

Bilingual commentary: To the Stars, John Glenn

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 David Magallanes…

The Duncan Group Welcomes New Board Member Carl Steinberg

SANTA BARBARA – Carl Steinberg has been appointed as a new board member to The Duncan Group (TDG), the affiliate property management nonprofit for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) developed rental properties. Steinberg’s real estate experience and passion for the well-being…

SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning Receives Top National Awards for Excellence in Marketing

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College Center for Lifelong Learning (the CLL) received the Excellence in Marketing Award from Learning Resources Network (LERN), the world’s largest professional association in continuing education and lifelong learning. LERN announced the CLL as the top winner for…

Community Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attacks at Event Hosted by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation

SANTA BARBARA — The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack with a free community ceremony at the Santa Barbara Airport on Dec. 7. About 150 people attended the event to remember the attack…

New Advisor to Help Launch Spanish-Language Program for Small Business Development Center

CENTRAL COAST — The Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties (SBDC), which provides free one-on-one consulting to help strengthen the bottom lines of area companies, has recently added a bilingual advisor with experience helping Spanish-language businesses.…

FOOD Share CEO Chosen for Tournament of Roses Parade

VENTURA COUNTY — FOOD Share of Ventura County President and CEO, Bonnie Atmore, has been selected by Dole Packaged Foods to represent the regional food bank and national hunger relief network, Feeding America, in the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade…

Bilingual commentary: The Sound of Freedom

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 David Magallanes…

NSF-funded program gives academically strong, low-income engineering undergraduates get the boost they need to complete their degrees

By Sonia Fernandez / UCSB If you’re a college undergrad, you know full well your third year is your moment of truth. Gone are the days of tentatively exploring your major; gone is much of the flexibility you had to…

Jan. 25 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum’s ‘Love Letters Home’ now open. To hold reception on Jan. 25

OXNARD — In an era before high-speed travel and instantaneous communication, separation and longing were an ever-present reality for the men, women and children of both maritime and wartime communities. Through the display of original artifacts and correspondence, Channel Islands…

Jan. 5-8 — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. New York’s Ballet Hispanico to perform (Feb. 6-12), Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitán (April 27-30)

CENTRAL COAST — From cowboy traditions of Colombia and Venezuela, to the Latin dance scene of New York, and many rich cultural traditions between, ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! announces its twelfth season of free family performances in neighborhood venues…

Jan. 19 — EDC-VC Annual Meeting Focuses on Sustainable Water Solutions

CAMARILLO — As Ventura County enters its sixth year of drought, the 20th annual meeting of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County (EDC-VC) will explore the theme “Drowning in Drought: Sustainable Water Solutions.” Featured will be keynote speakers Susan Mulligan, general manager, Calleguas…

Through Jan. 24 — Art Exhibit ‘Brings Art’ of late John Schlesinger to Hospice of Santa Barbara continues

SANTA BARBARA —Hospice of Santa Barbara is honored to have the artwork of the late John Schlesinger on display at the Leigh Block Gallery — located within Hospice of Santa Barbara, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite #100, Santa Barbara —…

Through Jan. 29 — De Colores Art Show continues at the Santa Paula Art Museum

SANTA PAULA — The annual De Colores Art Show continues through Jan. 29 the Santa Paula Art Museum. The group exhibition features art by 30 contemporary artists whose vibrant works are inspired by Latino culture. The premiere party will include live music…

Ongoing: ‘Designs from the Deep: The Architecture of the Shell’ at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum

OXNARD – The Channel Islands Maritime Museum will host an opening reception for its new exhibition, Designs from the Deep: The Architecture of the Shell, from 5-7 p.m., Oct. 27. The exhibit features close to a thousand stunning shells from…

Bilingual commentary: ISIS vs. Isis

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 David Magallanes…

FOOD Share Hosts SoCal’s Most Festive Holiday Food Drive: The 5th Annual CAN-tree Collection

OXNARD — For three days, Southern California’s premier destination shopping and dining center will be transformed into a stunning display of charity and cheer as FOOD Share’s 5th annual CAN-tree Collection, hosted by The Collection at RiverPark and Cumulus Media,…

UCSB Professor Francisco Lomelí is elected to the prestigious North American Academy of the Spanish Language

By Jim Logan / UCSB Francisco Lomelí had no idea he was being considered for membership in a prestigious organization of Spanish language scholars. And then out of the blue word came that he was in. A professor of Spanish and Portuguese and…

Catch the “ELF on the GO” Holiday Bus!

Ride Gold Coast Transit District’s Decorated Holiday Bus this December OXNARD —  Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is excited to announce that a specially decorated holiday bus will be traveling the streets of Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme and Ojai this…