OXNARD — The 2014 OC Fall Literature & Arts Lecture Series will present award-winning poet Jimmy Santiago Baca in the program “Singing at the Gates: Poems from Prison and other Lives” from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 at…
Category: News
‘Cuento Cups: Because Our Stories Matter’ exhibit seeks submissions by Oct. 2
VENTURA — Submissions are being sought for the “Cuento Cups: Because Our Stories Matter” exhibit to be presented through the month of October in the Tool Room Gallery at the Bell Arts Center, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura. The exhibit…
Guest commentary: Helping a Dreamer achieve his goal
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 Gilbert Cuevas / Guest…
Ventura College to celebrate Diversity in Culture with a Spanish Heritage Fiesta on Sept. 24
VENTURA — A Spanish Heritage Fiesta, a free community event to celebrate Diversity in Culture, will be presented by Ventura College from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.…
Bilingual report: SCORE to present Hispano Mixer on Sept. 26 in Oxnard
OXNARD — SCORE will present a Hispano Mixer from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at the Heritage Cultural Center, 141 W. 5th St., Suite E, Oxnard. Learn networking techniques in order to better your business and personal life,…
Manuel Liñán to perform on Sept. 27 at Flamenco Arts Festival 2014 in Santa Barbara.
SANTA BARBARA — The 14th annual Flamenco Arts Festival will feature prominent Spanish artist Manuel Liñán and his production of Nómada (Nomad), with a pre-concert talk from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at The Granada Theatre, 214 State St.,…
Panel discussion on ‘Beisbol: From the Barrios to the Big Leagues’ to be held Sept. 28 in Ventura
VENTURA — A panel discussion on “Beisbol: From the Barrios to the Big Leagues,” will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. There will also be a book…
Ventura County Housing Trust Fund issues $900,000 notice of funding availability for farm worker housing
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Housing Trust Fund (VCHTF) has announce the issuance of its third Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the development of affordable housing in Ventura County, the organization reported in a media release. Linda Braunschweiger,…
Traditional ‘Cry for Independence’ to be held Sept. 15 at Plaza Park, Oxnard
OXNARD — The 2014 Fiestas Patrias will conclude with the traditional Cry for Independence (“Grito de Independencia“) at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard, the Comité Cultural reported in a media release. Sponsors this year include Lazer Broadcasting: KOXR…
Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation to present ‘Hotel Mariachi’ lecture on Sept. 18
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) will present “Hotel Mariachi: Urban Space and Cultural Heritage in Los Angeles,” a lecture by Catherine L. Kurland and Evangeline Ordaz-Molina on Sept. 18 in the Presidio Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! to present Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar in free concerts from Sept. 19 through 21
Courtesy photo SANTA BARBARA —¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! will present Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar in free concerts at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta (805-893-5037); 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept.…
Free Mariachi Summer Concert to be held Sept. 21 in Oxnard
OXNARD — A free “Mariachi Summer Concert” will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at Heritage Square, 715 So. A St., Oxnard. The event features Orgullo de Mexico, Camarillo; Inlakech; El Guero & CSUCITLAN; Big X…
CSU Channel Islands sophomore Teresa Castillo wins 2014 CSU Trustees’ Award
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands sophomore Teresa Castillo is the winner of a prestigious 2014 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, the university reported in a media release. The annual awards are the CSU system’s highest student distinction, providing scholarships to one…
Museum of Ventura County to present ‘Celebracion de Familia’ on Sept. 13
VENTURA — The Museum of Ventura County will present “Celebracion de Salsa: Celebracion de Familia,” featuring art, apparel and museum exhibits including “Beisbol: From the Barrio to the Big League” in the galleries, from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13…
Museum of Ventura County to present ‘Celebracion de Salsa’ on Sept. 13
VENTURA – The Museum of Ventura County will present “Celebracion de Salsa” featuring the sounds of Ricardo Lemvo y Makina Loca – Afro-Cuban Salsa Orchestra from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at 100 E. Main St., Ventura. The event…
CLU to present ‘Grito de Dolores’ program on Sept. 16. RSVP by Sept. 8
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University will present “Grito de Dolores: Celebrating Mexico’s Independence and Indigenous Roots,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16 at the Lundring Events Center, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. To celebrate Grito de Dolores, or Mexico’s Independence…
La Colonia Community Walk / Run and Health Fair to be held Sept. 6
OXNARD — The Sixth annual La Colonia Community Walk/Run and Health Fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at Cesar Chavez K-8 School, 301 N. Marquita St., Oxnard, organizers reported in a media release.…
California EDD to present ‘Farmworker Fair — Faria Campesino’ on Sept. 7
OXNARD — The California Employment Development Department will present a “Farmworker Fair — Faria Campesino” from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 at the EDD’s West Oxnard Job & Career Center, 636 S. Ventura Road, Oxnard, the organization reported.…
September cover story: Hispanic Heritage Month comes to the 805 region
Fiestas Patrias, ‘Celebracion de Salsa,’ beisbol in the Central Coast among events this month By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 From the traditional “Grito de Dolores” to local beisbol history, salsa dance lessons, free mariachi concerts, classical Flamenco dance performances…
Commentary: Wellness Center seeks to serve Spanish-speaking members
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While in theory the idea of a smaller, more financially accountable government sounds like a good thing, often those government cutbacks adversely affect those most in need — the poor, the disabled, the un-…
Local news briefs
SANTA BARBARA — The United Way of Santa Barbara County is seeking volunteers for its 23rd annual Day of Caring to be held Saturday, Sept. 20, the organization reported in a media release. Throughout the day volunteers will help more…
Local business news
> The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County has announced a free listing in 805CONNECT. 805connect is a comprehensive database created to provide an official directory and networking platform to connect all businesses in the 805 area code. More than a simple…
Local health information
> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of September in various locations in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-09 to find times, dates and locations of upcoming…
Mercedes Fernandez-Oromendia, Avery Voos awarded 2013-14 Hosford Awards for Excellence in Professional Behavior at UCSB
SANTA BARBARA — Mercedes Fernandez-Oromendia and Avery Voos, graduate students at the Gevirtz School at UC Santa Barbara, have been awarded 2013-14 Ray E. Hosford Awards for Excellence in Professional Behavior, the university reported in a media release. These awards…
Office of Ventura County Supervisor Zaragoza recruiting for El Rio resident advisory council
VENTURA COUNTY — The Office of Ventura County Supervisor Zaragoza is accepting applications to serve as an alternate member on the El Rio Del Norte Municipal Advisory Council, also known informally as the El Rio MAC, Zaragoza’s office reported in…
Oxnard College to present ‘The Latino Thought Maker Series’ program on Aug. 27 featuring Carlos Portugal, creator of the HULU original series ‘East Los High’
OXNARD COLLEGE — Oxnard College will present “The Latino Thought Maker Series” free program featuring Carlos Portugal, creator of the HULU original series “East Los High” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Auditorium,…
Supervisor Zaragoza to attend Gov. Brown’s luncheon Aug. 25 to honor Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto
SACRAMENTO — Ventura County Supervisor John C. Zaragoza will be traveling to Sacramento to attend a luncheon on Aug. 25 hosted by Gov. Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Brown in honor of the President of the United Mexican States,…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas to present ‘La infamia / Infamy’ from Aug. 22 through Sept. 6 at Oxnard College
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas present “La infamia / Infamy,” a tragedy in one act, from Aug. 22 through Sept. 6 at the Black Box Theatre in the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard “La infamia…
Canceled: Café on A to hold ‘Painting Party’ on Aug. 23, 24 in downtown Oxnard
OXNARD — The Cafe on A, at 438 So. A St., downtown Oxnard, has been the gateway for many community programs / events for more than 15 years and is proud to serve the most at-risk youth and marginalized community. But…
2014 Fiestas Patrias celebration opens with ‘Certamen Señorita Fiestas Patrias Traje Tipico’ (traditional dress) competition on Aug. 24 in Oxnard
OXNARD — The 2014 Fiestas Patrias celebration opens with ‘Certamen Señorita Fiestas Patrias Traje Tipico” (traditional dress) competition at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 at Pacifica High School, 600 E. Gonzalez Road, Oxnard, the Comité Cultural Mexicano and Lazer Broadcasting reported in…
Ventura Harley-Davidson will match every dollar donated until Friday to El Centrito STEAM Fundraising Challenge
By El Centrito Family Learning Centers OXNARD — Ventura Harley-Davidson gave El Centrito and our families a second chance to meet the $5,000 goal for our 5 Days to Raise campaign. When Ventura Harley-Davidson heard that our final fundraising total fell…
Bilingual report: Family Health Fair to be presented Aug. 16 in Santa Paula
SANTA PAULA — A free “Family Health Fair,” hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Boys and Girls Club, in partnership with Assemblymember Das Williams, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Santa Clara…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. to celebrate National Health Center Week — Aug. 10-15
VENTURA COUNTY — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will host events in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW), the organization reported in a media release. These events are part of National Campaign which celebrates the record of success demonstrated…
Ventura County Fair features concert by Tony Orlando on Aug. 5
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Fair will present Tony Orlando in concert at the Grandstand Arena 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the Grandstand Arena. All concerts are free with fair admission. Visit http://www.venturacountyfair.org/fair/ for admission prices.
Rep. Capps to host Santa Maria forum on DACA on Aug. 9
SANTA MARIA — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) will host a forum where people can receive an update and review from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials on their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal application and information on…
We need your advertising support, donations to sustain, grow Amigos805
Aug. 1, 2014 Dear community supporters of Amigos805, It’s hard to believe that we are already past the midpoint of 2014. Where has the year gone? Soon, we will begin celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of events from…
August cover story: MICOP provides valuable support to growing Mixteco community
‘Night in Oaxaca’ fundraiser on Aug. 9, Backpack Drive ending Aug. 10 help fill needs in the community By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Just suppose you were dropped into a country where you couldn’t speak the language, couldn’t read the…
‘Night in Oaxaca’ to be held Aug. 9 in Oxnard
OXNARD — The Mixecto / Indigena Community Organizing Project will present its fourth annual “Night in Oaxaca” fundraising, awards and cultural celebration beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. “Join…
Commentary: Time to start planning for 2014-15 scholarship season
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Yes, it’s time for my annual plea. Back-to-school time should not only be the season where parents rush to local department stores and stand in long lines to buy school supplies for their children.…
Local news briefs
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) hosted its second Migrant Summer Leadership Institute (MSLI) for migrant high school students and their parents from July 11-26, university officials reported in a media release. The institute, funded through a grant from the…
Local business information
> The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County has launched an enhanced website to ensure that business leaders can easily and efficiently access the latest information to help their companies grow, the organization reported in a media release. The site, www.edc-vc.com, has…
Assemblymember Das Williams encourages designated drivers for Old Spanish Days Fiesta festivities
SANTA BARBRA — Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Carpinteria) encourages all those that will participate in this week’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta to make the responsible decision to not drink and drive, Williams reported Thursday in a media release. “Injuries and deaths…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announces three new board members
Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare join board of directors. Clyde Freeman named board president CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold announced the appointment of Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas — We have moved to Oxnard College
OXNARD — A few months ago Dr. Richard Durán, president of Oxnard College, invited us to make Teatro de las Américas a part of the “Oxnard College Institute for the Latino Performing Arts (OCILPA).” This invitation came like manna from…
Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara to be held July 30 through Aug. 3
SANTA BARBARA — Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara to be held in downtown Santa Barbara from July 30 through Aug. 3. The event includes Courthouse tours, Santa Barbara Mission docent tours, El Mercado de la Guerra, El Mercado Del Norte,…
California LULAC applauds Gov. Brown for nominating Mariano-Florentino Cuellar to serve on California Supreme Court
Confirmation would add only Latino serving on the California Supreme Court in a state with the largest ethnic group being Latino CAMARILLO – The California State Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens – LULAC, applauds the Governor…
Guest commentary: A citizen’s view of a demonstration — More than 25
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 Frank P. Barajas / Guest contributor…
Guest commentary: ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign ends Wednesday, July 23
By the United Way of Ventura County VENTURA COUNTY — Beep! Beep! We’re nearing the finish line and United Way of Ventura County is counting on your support for the fifth annual Stuff the Bus campaign! Please donate NEW school supplies between now and Wednesday, July 23. Look…
Oxnard Salsa Festival begins with ‘Friday Night Kick-Off Concert’ on July 25
OXNARD — The Oxnard Salsa Festival Friday Night Kick-Off Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, July 25 with entertainment provided by the Oxnard Salsa Orchestra, led by Oxnard born and raised veteran percussionist Raul Rico Jr. The orchestra will provide…
Shattering Stereotypes: Book by UCSB professor Mario García offers young Latinos a new narrative
By Sonia Fernandez / UCSB Alma Cortez-Lara immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was very young, and lived the life of the child of migrant workers. She lived in poor neighborhoods and learned English, serving as the…