Julie Sykes’ digital games immerse users in Spanish THOUSAND OAKS — The California Lutheran University Alumni Association Board of Directors presented the 2012 Outstanding Young Alumna Award to a University of New Mexico faculty member who uses technology to teach…
Category: News
Capps announces $3.2 million in grants to Clinicas to expand health services
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) on Monday announced that Ventura-based Clinicas Del Camino Real has been awarded two grants totaling nearly $3.2 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fund renovation and construction projects…
El Concilio profile: Oliva Barajas
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories in May profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2012 Latino Leadership awards — “Excellence in Education.” The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Oxnard…
Amigos805 goes on KPCC’s ‘Patt Morrison’ show on 89.3 FM to discuss Cinco de Mayo
Dr. David Hayes-Bautista and Amigos805’s Frank X. Moraga joined KPCC’S Patt Morrison on 89.3 FM in a discussion Friday on the true history behind Cinco de Mayo and the battle against big American marketing efforts to turn the holiday into ‘Cinco…
Amigos805 May print edition has hit the streets
The May print edition of Amigos805 has hit the streets in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Click on the image above to see a PDF of the edition.
Bilingual report: Colleges fight to survive time of change
State budget cuts, capped enrollment make community college today a challenge Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of stories on the state of affairs in the California community college system. This story addresses the problems facing Latino students. Next…
Bilingual report: Update / Actualizaciones
A review of stories from our last edition HERRERA WINS LATINO ISSUES FORUM VOTE, STRICKLAND LEADS FUNDRAISING: Jess Herrera came away with the Latino Issues Forum’s vote, but non-forum attendee State Sen. Tony Strickland is winning the campaign financing race…
Bilingual report: Briefs/Breves
COLLEGE ACCREDITATION VISIT: The Ventura County Community College District was visited by a site team from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges on April 16. The team was looking at the district’s…
Deadline approaches to RSVP for May 4 ‘Youth Empowerment Summit’ at Oxnard College
The registration deadline is Tuesday, May 1 for the annual “Youth Empowerment Summit,” which will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 4 at Oxnard College, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard, the Young Leaders Society reported…
Cinco de Mayo symposium set for May 4 at UCSB
The Symposium “Cinco de Mayo: Twenty-First Century Perspectives,” will be presented from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 4 at the University of California, Santa Babara in Mosher House — Alumni Hall. Presented by 150 De Mayo Puebla Defensa…
‘Social Justice Center Stage’ will be held May 6 in Thousand Oaks
“Social Justice Center Stage,” the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s third annual community fundraiser/celebration, will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6 at Larry Janns’ Four Friends Gallery, 1408 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. The program includes…
Cuban combo Tiempo Libre headlines Ventura Music Festival’s outdoor jazz concert on May 6
Group’s signature high-voltage fusion sound was developed while listening to forbidden American music growing up in Havana VENTURA — Three-time Grammy-nominated Cuban jazz combo Tiempo Libre will headline Ventura Music Festival’s annual Sunday afternoon outdoor jazz concert on May 6…
Free dental clinic in Santa Barbara draws large crowd on April 28
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics hosted a free dental clinic on Saturday, April 28 where attendees were offered free dental services, which included cleanings, fillings, and extractions, the medical provided reported in media release. Due to the overwhelming need for affordable…
Official gives successful marks to McGrath State Beach Park clean up
More than 100 volunteers participated April 21 in an event to clean up and beautify McGrath State Beach Park, the office of Ventura County Fifth District Supervisor John Zaragoza reported recently in a media release. Projects completed included painting the…
Montalvo Elemenary School student wins Strawberry Festival’s youth art contest
VENTURA — Eight-year-old Alys Campos, a second grade student at Montalvo Elementary School in Ventura, has been declared the winner of the 2012 California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest, sponsored by Valu Plus Food Warehouse, Festival Chairwoman Daisy Tatum…
Carmen Ramirez to hold campaign kick-off event on April 26 in Oxnard
Oxnard City Councilmember Carmen Ramirez will officially begin her campaign for mayor of Oxnard with a press conference at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26 in front of the Oxnard Public Library, 251 So. A St., Oxnard. “I believe I can continue…
Conference for Social Justice in Education to be held April 28 at CSU Channel Islands
The School of Education at CSU Channel Islands will present the 4thAnnual Conference for Social Justice in Education on Saturday, April 28 at the university. The daylong conference, free and open to the public, is to showcase the social justice…
‘Open Eyes Art Project’ to hold first wall installation on April 29 in Oxnard
Downtown Center for the Arts and the Oxnard Downtown Management District to celebrate first in planned series of public wall art installations during 4th Annual Wine & Art Walk OXNARD — A digitally produced mural of an original art work will…
University students launch iCLU radio
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University’s new student-run radio station is live. At a time when other universities are closing student stations for financial reasons, Internet station iCLU has begun streaming from a studio located in the year-old center housing…
Carmen Ramirez enters Oxnard’s mayoral race
Oxnard City Councilmember Carmen Ramirez has declared her candidacy for mayor of the city of Oxnard. She made her official announcement on the David Cruz show on KOXR AM-910 on Monday, April 23. “I have decided I want to throw my hat in…
Earth Day beautification event set for April 21 at McGrath State Beach
Ventura County Supervisor John Zaragoza, Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), Friends of Channel Coast State Parks, Oxnard City Corps, and California State Parks officials have announce a beautification and maintenance event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 21…
Thank you for supporting our May print edition of Amigos805
Dear reader, Thank you very much for supporting our efforts to make Amigos805 your key source of news for and about the vibrant Latino community in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Your reaction to our first…
Oxnard College to present Ballet Folklórico Mestizo performance April 20-21
Oxnard College to present the 31st anniversary performance of the Ballet Folklorico Mestizo — a cultural fusion of indigenous and European influences in dance and music, organizers reported in a media release. The program features traditional dances from six regions…
Flamenco Arts Festival to present ‘Concierto Para Los Niños’ on April 21
The Flamenco Arts Festival will present its annual “Concierto Para Los Niños” at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. Shirin Rajaee, anchor/reporter at KEYT, will serve as master of ceremonies in…
Children’s Day/Dia de los Niños set for April 21 in Oxnard
Children’s Day, Dia de los Niños, with the Mixteco/ Indigena Community Organizing Project!, will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard, the organization reported recently in a media release. MICOP…
Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet to perform April 20-22 in Santa Barbara region
¡Viva Arte de Santa Barbara! will present Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company with free performances at 7 p.m. Friday, April 20 at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta; at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Guadalupe City Hall,…
Free folklorico dance workshop set for April 22 in Santa Barbara
A free “Folklorico Dance Workshop with Grandeza Mexicana” will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22 at Casa de La Raza, 601 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara. The workshop is presented by Casa de La Raza and ¡Viva…
New video produced of Prom Dress Project distribution
Nancy Michelle Rodriguez reports that more than 500 prom dresses, a new record, were collected and presented to young women during a fitting held recently at Pacifica High School in Oxnard. “I’d like to thank those of you who donated…
Easy way to get email updates from Amigos805
Now there is an easier way to sign up for the Amigos805 enewsletter if you are seeking regular email updates on issues and events for and about the vibrant Latino community in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Just…
So. Cal Gas Co. presents $20,000 to Boys & Girls Club
The Southern California Gas Co. presented a $20,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme on April 12 as part of a 2011 Education Initiative, the organization reported in a media release. The presentation,…
SBCC’s foster youth students program receives grant from Vons Foundation
SANTA BARBARA — The Vons Foundation has presented a grant of $2,500 in its continued support to benefit the Santa Barbara City College’s foster youth students, the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) reported this week in a media…
Arts in Public Places RFP workshop set for April 14 in Oxnard
The Black and Brown Youth Arts and Cultural Alliance will hold a Request for Proposal workshop for Arts in Public Places (AIPP) projects in Oxnard at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at the Acuna Gallery @ Café on A, 438…
Four Oxnard teens enhance leadership skills at National Keystone Conference
OXNARD — Four members of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) were among the more than 1,500 teens who recently attended the National Keystone Club Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, the organization reported in…
Bell Arts Factory celebrates First Friday with art exhibit, reception
Works of artists Andrea Vargas, Jon Nelson, Pricisila Cisneros and Ryan Carr were showcased when the Bell Arts Factory presented “Ventura’s New ARTist City” on April 6 in Ventura. On exhibit will be some of ventura’s best young artists Their…
College district accreditation commission visit set for April 16
The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) will be visited by site team members representing the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Commission) on Monday, April 16, the college district reported in…
Santa Paula celebrates first ‘Cruise Night’ of the season
From the muscle cars of the ’60s and ’70s, to vintage Model A Fords — Santa Paula celebrated in style when it held its first “Cruise Night” of the season on Friday, April 6 throughout downtown Main Street. From 10th…
Community celebrates Easter
A number of churches and organizations celebrated the Easter holiday this past weekend in the 805 region. Besides activities at the churches, community members also took to the street to highlight the religious holiday. A small group of individuals demonstrated…
Bilingual report: Teatro holding sushi fundraiser on April 9 in Oxnard
Teatro de las Américas will be present its next sushi fundraiser at 7 p.m. Monday, April 9 at Genmai Sushi, 3623 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. “Meet the cast of “Zapatera; meet friends of Teatro; enjoy good food and have a…
CSU Channel Islands celebrates ‘Noche de Fiesta’
Brazilian music, regional Latino food and dancers created a colorful atmosphere in Malibu Hall at California State University, Channel Islands, when students presented the seventh annual “Noche de Fiesta” on Wednesday, April 4. The diversity of the Latin American cultures…
Commentary: Media panel persecution (I mean, candidates panel presentation)
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It was certainly an educational meeting for us all at the Latino Issues Forum, held Thursday, April 5 in a hotel ballroom in Oxnard. The forum, featuring questions put to candidates for the 26th…
Latino Issues Forum set for 6 p.m. April 5 in Oxnard
Join us in a historic event which will help decide who is elected to represent Ventura County in the U.S. Congress, the League of United Latin American Citizens reported in a media release. Clinicas Del Camino Real, LULAC, Latino Town…
Community turns out to pay respect to Raymond ‘Porky’ Duran
Hundreds of friends, La Gente car club members and members of the community gathered on Wednesday, April 4 to pay their respects to Raymond “Porky” Duran, who died unexpectedly. The funeral mass was held at Santa Clara Church near downtown…
UCSB sociologist to give ‘Plous’ lecture on crime and desistance among marginalized youth
SANTA BARBARA — Victor Rios, associate professor of sociology at UC Santa Barbara and a specialist in the interplay between institutions of social control, juvenile crime, and gang-associated youths, will give the Harold J. Plous Award Lecture on Wednesday, April 18, the university…
Gutierrez captures spirit of César Chávez Celebration
Friend of Amigos805 Jess Gutierrez (photographer, writer, publisher and all things local Latino media) was busy Sunday, April 1 capturing images at the 16th annual César Chávez Celebration, which began with a mass for field workers at Cristo Rey Church, 531 Cooper Road in…
Community comes out in force for 50 awards at Chávez celebration
Community members crowded around a makeshift stage at the playground of César Chávez School in La Colonia as the United Farm Workers Union honored 50 community members and organizations during the celebration. Below are a few images from the celebration.…
KFI AM640 adds ‘The David Cruz Show’
LOS ANGELES – America’s top-rated talk radio station has added The David Cruz Show to its line-up and will start airing the program Sundays 6 to 8 p.m. The multiple Emmy-Award winning network television journalist and former NBC4 TV News Anchor…
Capps celebrates César E. Chávez’s birthday
“César Chávez’s campaigns for farm worker justice changed the face of agriculture in this country, by improving living standards for migrant workers, reducing the use of harmful chemicals on farms, and awakening Americans to the process by which agricultural products…
Amigos805 print edition is now hitting the streets — See distribution list
Click on image above for PDF version of the April 2012 edition of Amigos805 Hello everyone. The bilingual print edition of Amigos805 is now hitting the streets. Click here for our distribution list, which is growing by the hour In…
Commentary: In honor of César Chávez Day
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/Guest contributor On Monday, March 26, 2012, Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis, hosted the Induction of the Pioneers of the Farm Worker Movement into the Labor Hall of Fame and the naming of the César E. Chávez…
MICOP to hold meeting on March 31 in Oxnard
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project will present its next monthly community meeting on Saturday, March 31 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St. in Oxnard. “If the weather is nice we plan on having the children outside, so if you…
EDC-VC to present international shipping workshop on March 28
The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties is presenting a series of free workshops held at EDC-VC, 1601 Carmen Drive, Suite 215, Camarillo. “Introduction to International Shipping and Logistics,” presented by SBDC…
Santa Barbara human rights activist honored
SACRAMENTO — Dr. Victoria Riskin, a tireless human rights advocate both globally and locally was honored March 26 as one of California’s “Women of the Year,” the office of Assemblymember Das Williams reported in a media release. Riskin, was among…
César Chávez Celebration set for April 1 in Oxnard
The 16th annual César Chávez Celebration, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the United Farm Workers union, will begin with a mass at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 1 at Cristo Rey Church, 531 Cooper Road in La Colonia neighborhood of Oxnard. The march…
Laurus College celebrates its fourth campus opening in Oxnard during ribbon-cutting ceremony
OXNARD — Business leaders and entrepreneurs from Ventura County met the students and staff of Laurus College’s Oxnard Campus at a ribbon cutting Ceremony on March 21, the institution reported in a media release. The ceremony celebrated the opening of…
Bilingual report: Free bilingual tax assistance provided by VITA-United Way of Santa Barbara County
The United Way of Santa Barbara County is coordinating free tax preparation and filing services through June for the community through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Financial Empowerment Partnership, the organization reported in a media release.…
CLU honored as community-service leader
University’s service learning, volunteering highlighted THOUSAND OAKS — For the second year in a row, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the U.S. Department of Education honored California Lutheran University as a leader in volunteering, service learning…
Ventura County film industry launches database
Ventura County Film411 to be a vital resource for production companies and industry professionals CAMARILLO — To promote Ventura County as an ideal location for film, television and commercial production and to help the local economy grow, the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County launched the online directory…
Tequila tasting on tap for ‘Pacifica High School PTSA Fundraiser’ on March 23 in Oxnard
The second annual “Pacifica High School PTSA Fundraiser” will be held Friday, March 23 at Sugar Beets Restaurant, 455 So. A St., Oxnard. Dinner, tequila tasting, dessert, dancing and a silent auction are scheduled for this event ($40 per ticket),…
Commentary: Time to celebrate the life of César Chávez
By Denis O’Leary / Guest contributor This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United Farm Workers. Oxnard has benefited greatly, as has the nation from the advocacy and laws that have come about from the UFW. César Chávez was the catalyst…
Mariachi Los Comperos de Nati Cano to perform free concerts March 23-25 in Santa Barbara
¡Viva Arte de Santa Barbara! will present Los Camperos de Nati Cano with free concerts at 7 p.m. Friday, March 23 at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta (805-893-5037); 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Guadalupe City Hall,…
‘Latin Lit Lovers’ celebration set for March 24 in Ojai
‘Latin Lit Lovers Mexican Dinner Buffet,’ a celebration of the great works of Latin writers de romance, folkloricos, ficcione, prosa & poesia from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Los Caporales Resturant & Bar, 307 E. Ojai Ave.,…
‘Bowl For Kids’ Sake’ fundraiser set for March 24 in Simi Valley
Fundraiser allows community to ‘Start Something’ to help children who face adversity Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County is appealing to everyone who cares about kids to support Bowl for Kids’ Sake, the mentoring organization’s biggest annual public fundraiser…
‘Dance Across the Divide’ performance set for March 24 at Oxnard College
“Tapestry,” Education & Awareness Woven Together By Innovative Choreography — the 2012 debut performance ($30) will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Contact Amy Edwards at 805-986-5800, or…
CEDC receives certificates of occupancy for 18 farmworker apartments in Oxnard
VENTURA —The Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. in Ventura announced on Thursday that it has received “certificates of occupancy” from the City of Oxnard for its newest affordable, apartment community for farmworkers, Camino Gonzalez. The $9.5 million project, located on a…
‘Starting a Small Business Workshop’ set for March 19 in Camarillo
The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties is presenting a series of free workshops held at EDC-VC, 1601 Carmen Drive, Suite 215, Camarillo. “Starting a Small Business Workshop” is a monthly workshop…
Bilingual report: Free citizenship fair set for March 17 in Santa Barbara
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, in partnership with Santa Barbara City College, will provide a free “Naturalization Information Session” for legal permanent residents and interested naturalization applicants from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Selmer O.…
Chicano artist Leo Limón celebrated in book released by UCSB’s CEMA
SANTA BARBARA — The life and work of the prolific and socially conscious Chicano artist Leo Limón is the focus of a book recently published by UC Santa Barbara’s Chicano Studies Institute and the California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives (CEMA),…
Book donations sought March 15 to benefit students of cultural studies in Arizona
Local Latino journalist/photojournalist Jess Gutierrez this weekend announced that he is seeking donations of books to benefit students of cultural studies program in Arizona. “Friends, I need your help,” Gutierrez stated in a media release. “As a writer, photojournalist, and…
Bilingual report: Teatro seeking donations for garage sale, holding equipment sale
Teatro de las Americas is starting the year raising the money needed to bring you three plays later in the year, the organization reported on Wednesday in a media release. “We begin with a garage sale on Saturday, March 24, at…
Santa Barbara Symphony to present ‘Latin Passion’ on March 17, 18
The Santa Barbara Symphony will present “Latin Passion,” with an evening performance from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 17 and a matinee from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 18 at the Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Featuring, Carlos Miguel Prieto,…
Commentary: Your Ventura County Museum
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier /Guest contributor On Sunday’s I take a little longer reading the Arts and Culture section of the newspaper because of the variety of museums, theaters, and cultural events in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura Counties. I’m…
Oxnard youth receives California Workforce Association’s scholarship
OXNARD — The California Workforce Association awarded Magdalena Carriedo, a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP), with the Dwight Brydie Scholarship at its 13th Annual Youth Conference, Jan. 18, in Long Beach,…
SBCC Foundation holds ‘VIP Kick-Off Party,’ campaign on March 14
A student rally will also take place directly before the VIP night SANTA BARBARA — The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College will host a VIP kick-off party and call night as the official start of the college’s Campaign for…
Youth benefit with dental services during ‘Dental Day’
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ Dental Resident Dr. Cherry Ma, right, examines Abigail Perez’s teeth at the Direct Relief International (DRI) Dental Day, which was held March 10 at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ Dental Clinic, the organization reported Monday in a…
Donations being accepted for ‘Prom Dress Project’
The Young Leaders Society has officially launched the annual Prom Dress Project, a prom dress recycling program for underprivileged students. The deadline to drop off prom dresses is March 30, reported Nancy Rodriguez of the Young Leaders Society, a program…
Mexican Consulate releases calendar of events for March
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Wednesday released its calendar of events for March. Click here for a PDF version of the calendar. Visit www.consulmexoxnard.com
History of Cinco de Mayo subject of UCSB lecture on March 8
UCLA’S David Hayes-Bautista discusses significance of American holiday As the 150th anniversary of the first Cinco de Mayo approaches, David Hayes-Bautista, professor of medicine and director of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture at the School…
Commentary: National Women’s History Month
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier /Guest contributor Since 1911 in Europe, March 8 is the day to celebrate International Women’s Day. In 1978 in California, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women began a “Women’s…
Art Beat springs forward on March 10 with a cultural re-awakening in Downtown Oxnard
Event mixes provocative and engaging programs in closely connected venues. OXNARD — On March 10th, just a few hours before the clocks up an hour for daylight savings, Downtown Oxnard gets an early jump on a new season of cultural…
FOOD Share to hold meetings March 10, 31 for potential volunteers
FOOD Share — Ventura County’s Food Bank, will hold a meeting for potential volunteers at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10 and 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31 at 4156 Southbank Road, Oxnard. FOOD Share has many opportunities to help and support…
Small Business Development Center adds advisors
Trio join roster of about 30 business experts available free to companies CAMARILLO — Three business advisors with expertise in developing cash flow, productivity, accounting and taxation have joined the Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties,…
Bilingual report: Teatro still seeking art entries for ‘The Prodigious Shoemaker’s Wife’
Teatro de las Américas is providing a new e-mail address for those who have submitted art entries for “The Prodigious Shoemaker’s Wife / La zapatera prodigiosa,” the organization reported this week in a media release. We did not receive any entries…
Ventura County AIDS Partnership will wind down operations in 2012
No new grants will be awarded during the fall of 2013 The Ventura County AIDS Partnership announced this week that it is winding down its operation during 2012, with no new grants to be awarded during the fall of 2013.…
CLU students rally against Cal Grant cuts in Sacramento
Students from throughout state to descend on Capitol THOUSAND OAKS — Five California Lutheran University students will travel to Sacramento on March 7 to protest a proposed cut to Cal Grant awards for students at independent nonprofit colleges, the university…
Mexican Consul Flores appears on program in support of Children’s Resource Network
Brad Pomerance, of Headline News — Charter Local Edition, interviews Lisa Ray, president and chief executive officer with the Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast in Pismo Beach and Mexican Consulate General of Central California Rogelio Flores. Children’s Resource Network…
CLU graduate students to be consultants for area businesses
SBDC’s Ray Bowman teaches new MBA class CAMARILLO — Twelve California Lutheran University MBA students are blending academics with real-world experience as they explore the field of small business consulting by providing services to three local businesses, the Economic Development…
Zaragoza holds breakfast fundraiser in Oxnard
A group of more than 500 enthusiastic and dedicated supporters crowded into the Casa Lopez Restaurant in downtown Oxnard to celebrate and raise funds to re-elect John Zaragoza to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the Zaragoza campaign announced in…
Two Oxnard teens honored as BGCOP’s Youths of the Year
OXNARD — Singled out among several outstanding local youth, Genesis Mena and Taylor Penny, both from Oxnard, were recently named “2012 Youth of the Year” by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, the organization reported Friday…
Xavier Montes exhibit artist reception set for March 2 in Santa Paula
The Ventura College Santa Paula Site will hold a Meet the Artist Reception for an exhibit featuring the works of artist Xavier Montes from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 2 at 957 Faulkner Road, Suite 106 in Santa Paula.…
MusicaLatitudes / Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Agustin Lara …’ March 3, 4
MusicaLatitudes and Teatro de las Américas, two Ventura County arts organizations dedicated to popularizing Latin American art and culture, will present “Agustin Lara, Now and Forever…” at 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Auditorium, 4000 So.…
LULAC’s March 3 meeting to feature candidate for Congress
The League of United Latin American Citizens — District 17, will hold its monthly meeting featuring a presentation by Assemblymember Julio Brownley, candidate for Congress, at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 3 at Clinicas del Camino Real, 200 So. Wells Road,…
Premier issue of Amigos805 print edition coming in April
The premier issue of Amigos805, a 10,000-copy bilingual print edition, is coming to the region in April to better serve the community in the California Central Coast region. The publication is then scheduled to go weekly starting in May, the…
Early homestead family presentation set for March 1 at Museum of Ventura County
From Malibu to the Ventura County line, the Santa Monica Mountains bring to mind beautiful hiking trails and amazing coastal view homes. But in 1917, when homesteaders Lauretta and John Spurgeon Houston arrived in what is still a remote corner…
California Strawberry Festival unveils 2012 poster
Art features an element never before included on posters OXNARD — The third time proved to be a charm to Charis Werner of Thousand Oaks who won the 2012 Official Poster Contest for the 29th Annual California Strawberry Festival. Werner was…
Williams introduces bills promoting energy efficiency
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) recently introduced three bills aimed to help promote green energy technology, facilitate guidelines for efficiency upgrades and optimize investments in distributed generation, his office reported in a media release. AB 2339 will require…
SBCC’s Luria Library receives $10,500 in scholarships
SANTA BARBARA — The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is pleased to announce that the Friends of the Luria Library has presented SBCC’s Eli Luria Library with 21 scholarships, each valued at approximately $500. A total of $10,500-…
Latino Links: Political trends
While Time Magazine’s latest cover story has received positive reviews for its assertion that Latinos will “Pick the next President,” not everyone is agreeing with the writer who said during a recent news program that Latino vote for the upcoming…
UCSB to hold outreach programs at high schools in Ventura, Santa Barbara Counties starting Feb. 28
UCSB Early Academic Outreach presents Higher Education Week SANTA BARBARA — The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara is sponsoring its spring Higher Education Week, a four-day, two-county event beginning Feb. 28, the university reported in a…
Just Communities to honor outstanding community members on Feb. 26 in Santa Barbara
Amy Van Meter Courageous Conversation Award to be presented to Esther Flores, Andrew Sanchez and the Dos Pueblos High School PTSA Committee on Equity and Excellence at 10th anniversary celebration SANTA BARBARA — Just Communities will celebrate its 10th anniversary…
United Way to hold ‘Girls’ Night Out’ fundraiser on Feb. 27 in Oxnard
Meathead Movers joins United Way of Ventura County for a pampered evening benefiting the organization’s United Women’s Leadership Council CAMARILLO — For one night only, employees of Meathead Movers will replace their uniforms with tuxedoes and moving boxes with martinis to assist the…
Southern California Gas Co. awards $20,000 grant to Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme
BGCOP will use money for its College Bound program OXNARD —The Southern California Gas Co. presented a $20,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme recently as part of a 2011 Education Initiative, the…
UCSB’s International Mother Language Day Conference continues on Feb. 24
SANTA BARBARA — Sixty years ago, a group of students from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh (then known as East Pakistan) were killed as they participated in the Bengali Language Movement protests. The student activists were seeking to have Bengali…
Rio Mesa High School Folklorico Club to hold fundraiser on Feb. 24 to support family
The Rio Mesa High School Folklorico Club will present a fundraising dance show to support the Magana family at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 at the high school’s gymnasium, 545 Central Ave., Oxnard. A fellow Spartan was recently diagnosed with…
Museum of Ventura County to hold reception on Feb. 24 for Latino exhibits
The opening reception for the exhibits “Music before Columbus: The Collection of Luis Perez” and “Hilos de la Vida/Threads of Life: The Weavers of Teotitlán del Valle” will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 at the…
Volunteers needed for MICOP meetings on Feb. 25 in Oxnard
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project will present its next monthly community meeting on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St. and at Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenny St., both in Oxnard. “Both locations can use your…
LULAC to hold District 17 meeting on Feb. 25
The League of United Latin American Citizens — District 17 — will hold its next membership meeting from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Clinicas Del Camino Real, 200 So. Wells Road, Ventura. Click here for directions: (Google…
Arts For Action to hold auction, show on Feb. 25 in Oxnard
Arts for Action will present “Oxnard, Te Amo,” with an auction from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Oxnard Public Library, 251 So. A St., Oxnard. A meet-and-greet event with the artists will be held at 6…
Latino Links: Economic trends
As the nation continues to recover from effects of the great recession, Latinos are expected to account for nearly three-quarters of the nation’s labor force from 2010 to 2020, according to a recent media release by the Pew Research Center…
Bilingual report: Teatro de Américas to hold art contest for next play
Teatro de las Américas is presenting the play “La zapatera prodigiosa / The Shoemaker’s Prodigious Wife,” in April and May. “We invite artists to submit artwork that will serve as the art or graphic for posters and program of the…
UCSB to host Chicano Movement conference on Feb. 17-18
Event will examine impact of movement and how it relates to today SANTA BARBARA — “Chicano Power!,” a two-day conference at UC Santa Barbara to examine the Chicano movement of the 1960’s and ’70s, a major formative period in Chicano history, will begin…
Spanish Harlem Orchestra to perform for Ventura Music Festival’s annual Latin Jazz Concert on Feb. 18
Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the 2011 Grammy-winning Latin jazz ensemble, will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at Ventura High School Auditorium, 2 N. Catalina St., Ventura. Directed and founded by pianist, arranger and producer Oscar Hernández, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, now in its…
Election 2012: Endorsements, fundraisers in the news
Amigos805.com staff report The election season continues to heat up with a number of candidates reporting endorsements and upcoming fundraisers in the 805 region. Several candidates announced this week that they had received endorsements from the California Democratic Party last weekend…
Sheet metal workers help Camarillo’s ACE charter high school
Tri-County trade organizations donate to construction-prep high school CAMARILLO – Representatives from two local trade organizations, Tri-counties Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Assoc. (SMACNA) and Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #273, recently joined forces and donated funding for Camarillo’s Architecture, Construction…
CSU Channel Islands to award honorary degrees to Hank Lacayo and Kathy Ireland
Political and civil rights leader, designer and entrepreneur to receive doctorates CAMARILLO – Labor and civil rights leader Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo and designer and entrepreneur Kathy Ireland will receive honorary doctorate degrees from CSU Channel Islands (CI) during the university’s…
Wells Fargo supports Women’s Economic Ventures through $25,000 grant
SANTA BARBARA — Non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has received a $25,000 grant from Wells Fargo for the organization’s continuum of programs, which helps women (and men) succeed at every stage of the business lifecycle, the organization reported Tuesday in a media…
Bilingual report: Exposición de la artista Gloria Hidrogo, Jueves, 16 de febrero
OXNARD— Un exposición de pintura realizada en tortillas de harina de la artista Gloria Hidrogo, Jueves, 16 de febrero de 2012 a las 6:00 pm, Consulado de México en Oxnard, 3151 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. Gloria, Artista Plástica Mexicana nace en la ciudad de…
CLU to screen ‘Which Way Home’ on Feb. 16 in Oxnard
California Lutheran University’s Reel Justice Film Series will screen the documentary “Which Way Home” at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The event is free and open to the…
Bilingual report: Deadline is Feb. 27 for CSU Channel Islands Social Justice in Education proposals
CAMARILLO — The School of Education at Channel Islands (CI) invites you to submit a proposal to present at the 4th Annual Conference for Social Justice in Education. The daylong conference will be held on Saturday, April 28, on the…
Latino Links: Cultural trends
While the national television audience was fixated on activities going on inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday night — Adele capturing six Grammy awards, heartfelt tributes to Whitney Houston who died on Saturday, and performances from various…
‘!Viva México!’ film screening set for Feb. 15 at UCSB
The UCSB Multicultural Center will present its Cup of Culture film screening of “!Viva México!” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the center’s theater. In the heart of Los Angeles in the film, undocumented Mexican immigrants are hunted by the…
Mobile Consulate services set for Feb. 12 in San Luis Obispo
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will present mobile consulate services on starting at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 at Pacheco Elementary School, 261 Cuesta Drive, San Luis Obispo. Take all original documents. Call 805.984.8738, ext. 100, 103, 105 or 111 or visit…
Capps votes for House Passage of the STOCK Act. Says stronger bill must be signed into law
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) on Thursday applauded the House of Representative’s passage of the Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act. Capps is a cosponsor of an earlier version of this legislation that would ban insider…
Mobile Consulate services set for Feb. 11 in Paso Robles
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will present mobile consulate services on starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Centro de Recreo de Oak Park, 3050 Park St., Paso Robles. Take all original documents. Call 805.984.8738, ext. 100, 103, 105 or 111…
Capps applauds mortgage fraud settlement, urges additional action
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) on Thursday applauded the announcement that the federal government and 49 states, including California, reached a $25 billion agreement with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers to penalize robo-signing and other bank…
Public invited to attend grand opening of Oxnard College Veteran’s Center on Feb. 14
The public is invited to attend the grand opening of the Oxnard College Veteran’s Center from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 14 in the old LRC Building, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The new educational transition center will offer…
Busy weekend in store for 805 region
El Centrito baile, Oxnard ArtBeat, promotores workshop among events Amigos805.com staff report Those in the 805 region looking to find something to do this weekend will have no shortage of events. From Oxnard to Santa Barbara, the event calendar is…
Das Williams unveils middle class scholarship program
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) on Wednesday unveiled new legislation to create a middle class Scholarship program aimed to make higher education more affordable for working families. The proposal, which was introduced by Speaker John A. Pérez, (D-Los Angeles),…
Medical professionals to be honored at Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation gala on Feb. 16
Miguel Cervantes, MD, selected as Community Physican of the Year, will be among a group of 10 individuals and organizations to be honored at the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation 19th annual Gala Awards Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16…
‘An evening of Andean music with Quijeremá Al Son del Tunduki’ set for Feb. 11 at UCSB
“An evening of Andean music with Quijeremá ?Al Son del Tunduki” will be presented at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at the UCSB Multicultural Center Theater. Quijeremá is a dynamic force driven by sweeping bandola choruses with a firm foundation…
OHS Winter Drum Line to hold car wash on Feb. 11
The Oxnard High School Winter Drum Line is sponsoring a car wash and BBQ from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at Oxnard High School parking lot, 3400 W. Gonzalez Road, Oxnard. All proceeds from this event will…
District colleges placed on probation
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges has moved all three of the Ventura County Community College District’s (VCCCD) colleges to “Probation” status due to deficiencies identified by the commission pertaining to the board…
Rocksteady Fitness to have Zumba party on Feb. 13
Arturo and Melissa Hernandez, owners of Rocksteady Fitness, invite the community to attend a free Zumba party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 at Diet Free Life, 4517 Market St., Suites 5 and 6, Ventura. Rocksteady Fitness provides Personal Training, Group…
EDC-VC honored for job creation
Center has quickly impacted area’s economic vitality CAMARILLO — The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s Small Business Development Center was instrumental in creating and retaining nearly 600 jobs in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties last year through its one-on-one business advising…
Capps critical of bill that would open up the Central Coast to new offshore oil drilling
WASHINGTON —Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) slammed the House Republican leadership’s transportation bill, the so-called “Energy Security and Transportation Jobs Act” (H.R. 3410), which would mandate new oil and gas drilling in the federal waters off Santa Barbara and Ventura counties,…
Latino Links: Health trends
Latinos are among the U.S. ethnic groups hardest hit by air pollution, according to a recent report from the National Latino Coalition on Climate Change (NLCCC), Center for American Progress, National Resources Defense Council and National Wildlife Federation. The report…
LULAC to hold membership meeting on Feb. 4 in Ventura
The League of United Latin American Citizens will hold its next monthly membership meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at Clinicas del Camino Real, 200 So. Wells Road, Ventura. Contact Jorge Napoles, deputy district director, at jnapoles@clunet.edu or…
Free tax help available Feb. 8, 9 at Oxnard Public Library
The Oxnard Public Library is providing free income tax preparation assistance to income filers from 1 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday through April 12 at the Main Downtown Library, Meeting Room B, 251 So. A St., Oxnard, the…
Events on Feb. 10 to highlight community organizations
2-1-1 and El Centrito Family Learning Centers celebrate successes One organization provides a link to a variety of community services at the touch of a finger. The other organization provides a variety of educational programs for youth and their parents. On Friday,…
Mexican Consulate releases calendar of events for February
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Wednesday released its calendar of events for February. Click here for a PDF version of the calendar. Visit www.consulmexoxnard.com
Bilingual report: Mexican Consulate announces teacher exchange program
The Mexican Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Public Education invite educative authorities from Mexico and the United States to nominate candidates for the “Teacher Exchange Program Mexico-United States 2011,” the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard reported this week in a media release.…
UCSB graduate student Jaramillo awarded prestigious fellowship
SANTA BARBARA — UC Santa Barbara graduate student Alejandra Jaramillo has been awarded a prestigious fellowship with the UNESCO-L’Oréal Fellowships for Young Women in Life Sciences for 2011. She is one of only 15 recipients worldwide, the university reported Tuesday…
Bilingual report: Williams receives perfect score on pro consumer votes
SACRAMENTO — When it comes to votes on key consumer rights bills, the 2011 Consumer Federation of California (CFC) scorecard found that Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) has sided with consumers 100 percent of the time. The first-term Assemblymember, has…
Juvenile justice system to be examined at UCSB Lecture Series on Feb. 1
SANTA BARBARA — The second in a series of lectures examining the juvenile justice system in the United States will take place at UC Santa Barbara at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, the university reported in a media release. The…
Mexican Consulate announces free Spanish language textbook program
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has reported that it is accepting applications for the annual Free Spanish Language Textbook Program through March 9. The collection of 55 books each include both textbooks and children’s fiction book in Spanish, used…
Latino Links: Economic Trends
A majority of Latinos (54 percent) believe the nation’s recession has hit them harder than any other group in the United States, according to a survey released last week by the Pew Hispanic Center. The survey found: 75 percent said…
Donations sought to aid Tarahumara Indians
California residents respond to crisis of drought and famine in Northern Mexico, home to the Tarahumara Indians OXNARD— The LUCHA-Tarahumara Relief Fund is still accepting donations to benefit the Tarahumara Indians, the organization reported recently. Tax-deductible donations can also be…
Volunteers to provide free tax preparation starting Jan. 30
Effort will return thousands of dollars to low-wage earners CAMARILLO — Low to moderate income workers can receive free help with tax preparation and income tax filing at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site located throughout Ventura County beginning…
Food Network viewing party of the Kitchen segment set for Jan. 30
A viewing party for the Jan. 30 segment of the Food Network’s popular “Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives” show, featuring the Kitchen in Oxnard, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30 at 529 So. A St., Oxnard. Big screen…
Election 2012: Endorsements coming fast
Race for Congress features former harbor commission president Amigos805.com staff report For those who have been watching, or seeking to avoid the nonstop media coverage of caucuses and primary races in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida — our time…
Verizon presents $17,200 check to Santa Barbara City College’s MESA program
SANTA BARBARA — Verizon presented a check for $17,200 to Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Acting Superintendent/President, Jack Friedlander to support the college’s innovative MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) program, college officials reported in a media release this week. This…