Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) provided a key floor vote and co-authorship for proposed legislation that would restrict the use of Bispenol-A (BPA) in certain baby products, Williams reported Tuesday in a media release. “I am pleased to co-author this…
Category: News
Community celebrates LULAC state convention in Oxnard
Community members celebrated the 64th annual California State Convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens held May 20-22 at the Residence Inn Marriott in Oxnard. The event was hosted by LULAC District 17 and was scheduled to include…
Latino Links: Technology trends
The affinity of Hispanics toward their mobile devices offers an opportunity for civic engagement as we head into the 2010 U.S election season, according to a recent CNN story. “The use of cell phones builds upon the cultural affinity for…
MICOP seeking volunteers for May 21 community day
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is seeking volunteers for this weekend’s monthly community meeting. The community meeting will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 21 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 So. Gisler St., Oxnard; and Saturday, May 21…
LULAC holding state convention May 20-22
The 64th annual California State Convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens will be held May 20-22 at the Residence Inn Marriott, 2101 Vineyard Ave., Oxnard. Hosted by LULAC District 17. As part of the conference, a workshop…
Judges, donations needed for May 21 Rio Science Fair
Donations and about 20 judges are needed for the annual Rio School District Science Fair for Migrant Education Students on Saturday, May 21. “I am writing because we urgently need your help,” said Adolfo Murillo. “This year I will again…
Visita oficial de Funcionarios de la Secretaría de Desarrollo Social de Oaxaca
Invitación al público en general. Visita oficial de Funcionarios de la Secretaría de Desarrollo Social de Oaxaca a Oxnard, CA. Dónde: Miércoles 18 de Mayo, 6 PM Consulado de México, 3151 W. 5th St, Oxnard Foro dirigido a integrantes de Clubes…
‘Una Noche en México’ set for May 20 at RMHS
The Rio Mesa High School Folklorico Club presents “Una Noche en México” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 20 at the Rio Mesa High School Gym, 545 Central Ave., oxnard. Mariachi Inlakech will perform at 6 p.m., followed by a performance…
Bilingual report: Das Williams announces district office staff
First-term State Assembly Member Das Williams announced this week that he has hired the following District Office staff: Williams hired former SEIU 721 political coordinator Jeannette Sanchez as his district director, Senior Field Representative Hillary Blackerby, who held the same…
Mexican Consulate posts latest video update
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has released its latest video update. *** El nuevo Boletín Digital Consultanos es una herramienta audiovisual que provee información sobre las actividades del Consulado. Click here for a link to the video
CAUSE benefiting this year from proceeds of Rebozo Festival
7th annual event returns May 15 to Camarillo The Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy’s (CAUSE) Centro Mujer program will benefit from this year’s edition of the Rebozo Festival on May 15 in Camarillo. The festival has grown from…
Boys & Girls Club of Ventura seeking speakers
The Boys & Girls Club of Ventura is continuing its popular twice weekly community leaders ‘Speakers Series’. Board member and Past President, Pediatrician Susanne Lammot, M.D., the creator of this dynamic Club program for teens is encouraging community members to…
‘Big X’ Montes to have busy schedule starting May 11
Xavier “Big X” Montes will be performing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 at the Santa Paula Senior Center, 530 W. Main St., as part of the “Cinco de Mama” celebration. The event features a tostada bar. $3…
‘Harvest of Loneliness: the Bracero Program’ set for May 11 at UCSB
The film screening of the documentary “Harvest of Loneliness: the Bracero Program,” will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 at the UCSB Multicultural Center. The documentary explores the historical accounts of migrant Mexican farm workers brought into the U.S.…
Teatro presenting light design workshop on May 14
Teatro de las Américas is presenting the workshop “Introduction to light design for the stage” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14 at 816 Wagon Wheel Road, Oxnard. There is no charge for the workshop. The workshop will…
Rebozo Festival coming May 15 to Adolfo Camarillo Ranch
The 2011 Rebozo Festival will celebrate its seventh year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15 at the historic Adolfo Camarillo Ranch in Camarillo. This unique cultural event features a Mexican inspired brunch, Mariachis, a fashion show highlighting…
RSVP for May 22 Kinship Family Fun Day
Kids & Families Together and the Ventura County Leadership Academy are hosting their 3rd annual “Kinship Family Fun Day” for kinship families from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at the El Sueño Equestrian Center, 520 Kingsgrove Drive, Somis. Space is limited…
Mini-Grants for musicians available from ARTS Obispo
San Luis Obispo County musicians are encouraged to apply for ARTS Obispo’s Mini-Grant program that provides financial assistance up to $500 to individuals of all ages, the organization reported recently in a media release. ARTS Obispo set up this program…
Gran Vaqueria set for May 6 in Moorpark
Club de Migrantes Mun-Ha will present Gran Vaqueria from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 6 at the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark, 200 Casey Road, Moorpark. The event includes performances by Orquesta de las Misiones Culturales accompanied by…
Amigos805 video calendar for May
Click on image to go to video
Youth Empowerment Summit set for May 6 at Oxnard College
The Young Leaders Society (YLS) will present its annual the “Youth Empowerment Summit from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 6 at Oxnard College, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The Youth Empowerment Summit was developed by YLS in 2008 to…
Ballet Folklórico Mestizo event on May 6-7 to open Oxnard College Performing Arts Center
Oxnard College will celebrate the opening of its new theater when Ballet Folklórico Mestizo performs at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Under the direction of Oxnard…
Oxnard High School Marching Band & Auxiliary Boosters to host fundraising event on May 6
The Oxnard High School Marching Band & Auxiliary Boosters are hosting the 4th Annual Casino Night Fundraising Event from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, May 6 at the Elks Lodge, 801 So. “A” St., Oxnard. Come enjoy a “Vegas-style”…
Reservations due for May 22 Kinship Family Fun Day in Somis
The 3rd annual Kinship Family Fun Day will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday May 22 in Somis (call for details). RSVP as soon as possible as space is limited. Grandparents, aunts/uncles, and others raising the child of…
805 region gets ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo
A variety of Cinco de Mayo celebrations will be found up and down the coast this week in the 805 region. History lesson: While some may believe Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican independence Day, the event actually honors the day…
California Strawberry Festival announces Youth Art Design winners
Athena Cimafranca, a six-year-old Oxnard resident and first grade student at Julien Hathaway Elementary School, has been declared the winner of the 2011 California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest, sponsored by Valu Plus Food Warehouse, Festival Chairwoman Daisy Tatum reported…
Latino Links: Political Trends
More than 6.6 million Latinos voted in last year’s election — a record for a midterm, according to an analysis released recently by the Pew Hispanic Center. Fueled by their rapid population growth, Latinos also were a larger share of…
March set for May 1 in La Colonia
A march in honor of the International Day of Workers will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 1 at Camino del Sol Park, corner of Rose and Camino del Sol avenues in La Colonia neighborhood of Oxnard. For more information,…
Free business directory advertisement
As Amigos805.com celebrates its two-year anniversary in May, we wish to thank our supporters by providing a free business directory advertisement during the month — a $65 value. The advertisement is available to businesses, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. The…
Javier Gomez, Avie Guerra to be honored April 30 at CSUN
Javier Gomez of the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center in Oxnard and late community advocate Avie Guerra will be recognized at the 17th annual “La Raza Alumni Association Scholarship Recognition Dinner,” starting at 6 p.m. with a reception on Saturday, April…
Spanish language book fair set for April 29-May 1 in Los Angeles
Santa Maria Valley author/educator/poet Enedina Castañeda reports this week that LéaLA, touted as the inaugural Spanish-language book fair, will be held April 29, 30 and May 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Click here for a link to the…
Social Justice Fund of Ventura County to hold event on May 1
The reception this year will include the presentation of the winners of its youth ARTsLAM! Contest, a performance by the jazz group “The Gentlemen,” silent and live auctions, a chance to view the exhibits at the gallery and a presentation…
Teatro de las Américas continues its ‘Readers’ Theater Series’ in May
Teatro de las Américas continues its series of Readers’ Theater in May. The second production of the series is Yerma by Fedecrico García Lorca, the eminent Spanish poet and playwright. Yerma is a tragedy with a single theme (the sterile…
El Centrito to hold ‘Gran Baile de Primavera’ on April 30
El Centrito Family Learning Center will present its annual “Gran Baile de Primavera” at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Casa Lopez Mexican Restaurant & Banquet Center, 325 So. A St., Oxnard. Funds raised will support El Centrito’s successful educational…
Children’s Day/Dia de los Niños set for April 30 in Oxnard
Children’s Day, Dia de los Niños, with the Mixteco/ Indigena Community Organizing Project!, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St., Oxnard, the organization reported recently in a media release. “The…
Latino Links: Technology Trends
Hispanics online tend to be younger, use the Internet more when making purchasing decisions and prefer English-language online media, according to results from a new survey conducted by AOL Advertising in partnership with the consulting group Cheskin Added Value. Hispanics…
Bands announced for July 30-31 Oxnard Salsa Festival
An electrifying blend of Salsa, Latin, and Cuban sounds will fill downtown Oxnard with excitement and sizzling sounds during the 18th annual Oxnard Salsa Festival, July 30-31, 2011 at Plaza Park, Fifth and “B” Streets, in downtown Oxnard, festival organizers…
Author/columnist Lopez to speak April 25 in Thousand Oaks
Distinguished Speakers Series presents Steve Lopez, 8 p.m., Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. The award-winning journalist and author of “The Soloist” joined the staff of the Los Angeles Times in May 2001 after…
Latino Business Expo VIP mixer set for April 25
The VIP mixer for the Latino Business Expo will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 25 at The Kitchen Craft Beer Brewery & Bakery, 529 So. A St., Oxnard. This is the last chance to get free tickets to…
ARTS Obispo extends ‘Open Studios’ deadline for artist until April 25
Artists from all over San Luis Obispo County have until Monday, April 25 to submit their application for the 2011 Open Studios Art Tour (OSAT), the 13th annual three-weekend visual art event taking place throughout the County this October, ARTS…
Deadline is April 29 for Teatro art contest
Teatro de las Américas announces an art contest to create the logo for its next production: “Yerma” by Federico García Lorca. Due to the fact that the play will be presented in late May, the deadline for submission is April…
Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar open for Easter brunch on April 24
Sugar Beets Restaurant & Bar in Oxnard will be officially open for Brunch on Sunday’s starting on Easter Sunday. Chef Martin Ledesma promises to bring style and creativity to the Sunday menus including all your traditional favorites of a carving…
Mexican Consulate posts latest video update
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has released its latest video update. *** El nuevo Boletín Digital Consultanos es una herramienta audiovisual que provee información sobre las actividades del Consulado. Click here for a link to the video Previous videos:
Vida Newspaper front page archive
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Latino Peace Officers to hold scholarship banquet on April 23
The National Latino Peace Officers Association — Ventura County Chapter, 8th annual scholarship banquet, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at the Crown Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel, 450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. Sheriff Geoff Dean…
Professor Briseno to speak on technology, ‘Si, Se, Puede: Succeeding in the Face of Adversity’ on April 20 at CSUCI
Alejandro Briseno, assistant professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, will speak on “The Future of Power and Energy Through Nanotechnology” from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at the Martin V. Smith Center for Integrative Decision-Making,…
Das Williams to speak on April 20 in Santa Paula
Assemblymember Das Williams, D-35th, will speak on his “Save Public Libraries” bill at a no-host dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at Vince’s Coffee Shop, 827 E. Main St., Santa Paula, 805.525.0314. Presented by the Santa Clara Valley Democratic…
CSU Channel Islands to hold career fair April 21
CSU Channel Islands will hold its 9th annual Career and Internship Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 21 at the John Spoor Broome Library Plaza. This is an opportunity for university undergraduate students to meet local businesses…
VC AIDS Partnership announces $68,000 in grants
Ventura County AIDS Partnership (VCAP) announces grants totaling $68,000 for HIV prevention services in Ventura County for 2011. This year, VCAP partners are not only receiving much needed funding to support their work, they are also benefitting from a six…
Latino Links: Media Trends
Hispanicize and Univision Communications are teaming up to provide free in-depth communications training to non-profits serving Latino communities through the program “Latino Social Media for Social Good.” The second annual program consists of free Hispanic social media and communications trainings…
Teatro to present ‘Reader’s Theater Series’ April 15-17
Teatro de las Américas is presenting a series of Readers’ Theater in April, May, and June 2011. The series opener is the presentation of one-act plays including two written by Luis Valdez, the founder of Teatro Campesino: “El soldado razo”…
Danza Mexica group to hold rummage sale fundraiser April 16 in Ventura
The Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc Rummage Sale Fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 No. Ventura Ave., Ventura. “We are trying to raise money to pay rent at Bell…
“Wine/Art Trail” to be held April 17 in downtown Oxnard
Oxnard Rotary, along with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oxnard and Port Hueneme’s Young Professionals Network, will hold its 3rd annual “Wine/Art Trail — Rediscovering Downtown Oxnard,” on from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17 in Oxnard. Presented…
Oaxacan ‘Guelaguetza’ festival to be held April 17 in Oxnard
Guelaguetza, the traditional Oaxacan festival, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17 at Haycox Elementary School, 5400 Perkins Road, Oxnard, the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project reports. Hosted by Club Ñuu Savi, the event features food,…
Oxnard College Fire Academy holds Spring graduation
The Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy cadets, Battalion 35, had its Spring Semester graduation on April 9, at the college’s Camarillo Airport Fire Technology facility. Congratulating the cadets were members of the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees,…
Rios gets commendation from City of Oxnard
Newly crowned WBA lightweight champ Brandon Rios received a commendation April 12 from the city of Oxnard for becoming its newest world champion. Rios, who won the title Feb. 26 from Miguel Acosta in what is being considered a candidate for…
Mexican Consulate donates textbooks to area educators
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard donated 40,000 in textbooks on March 18 in Oxnard. The donations from the Mexican government were made to 70 representatives from area school districts, health clinics, nonprofit organizations, churches, libraries, colleges and immigration clubs in…
CSU Channel Islands announces budget cuts
CSU Channel Islands will be eliminating positions, reducing staff appointments and trimming its operating budget due to $3.8 million in budget cuts for the institution during the 2011-12 academic year, the university reported Monday. The cuts are part of the…
Commentary: Americans’ investment sentiment revealed
Americans believe technology and gold will be top-performing investments in 2011 As Americans move past the economic downturn and begin considering plans for investing in the coming year, many believe that technology stocks and gold will set the pace for…
Latino Links: Education Trends
Efforts to close the achievement gap in early childhood education between Latinos and other ethnic groups are faltering due in part to the nation’s economic recession. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley report that the percentage of Latino children…
CSU Channel Islands to host Children’s Reading Celebration on April 9
Event features ‘Young Authors’ Fair’ CSU Channel Islands will host the 6th Annual Children’s Reading Celebration and the 35th Annual Young Authors’ Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at the university’s John Spoor Broome Library. The…
El Concilio presents award to Edison International
El Concilio Family Services recognized Edison International for its outstanding community service at El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards gala on March 26 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, the organization reported this week. El Concilio board member Hank Lacayo presented…
Gutierrez captures more images from El Concilio awards
Photojournalist Jess Gutierrez captured images from El Concilio Family Services 22nd Annual Latino Leadership Awards held March 26 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Plaza. The awards focused this year on educators who make a difference in the community. The award…
‘Oxnard March for Rights’ set for April 10
The “Oxnard March for Rights” begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 10 at Del Sol Park, corner of Rose and Camino del Sol avenues, in La Colonia neighborhood of Oxnard. Organizers said the event features the United Farm Workers union and…
Mexican Consulate to present Mask exhibit, workshop April 8
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will present an exhibit and workshop for the “Masks of Artist Berta Alicia Juárez” at 6 p.m. Friday, April 8 at 3151 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. RSVP to Consul Ramon Carrillo de Albornoz at 805.984.2162,…
Mexican revolution photo exhibit reception set for April 7 in Santa Barbara
The Consul of Mexico in Oxnard is pleased to invite you to the opening reception of the photographic exhibition from the “Casasola Archives” on the subject of the Mexican Revolution at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7 at Casa de la…
Art Pub newsletter touts Oxnard’s growing art movement
“A movement is afoot in Downtown Oxnard. In recognizing art and culture as powerful tools for connecting people to each other and to a city, we are developing an arts district in the area,” said Tracy Hudak, the recently appointed arts…
Marta Peluso, ARTS Obispo’s executive director, steps down
The board of directors of ARTS Obispo / San Luis Obispo County Arts Council accepted the resignation of its executive director, Marta Peluso, the organization reported this week in a media release. Peluso has lead the organization for five years,…
Mexican Consulate posts latest video update
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has released its latest video update. Click here for the link to the video *** El nuevo Boletín Digital Consultanos es una herramienta audiovisual que provee información sobre las actividades del Consulado.
Williams takes part in Dolores Huerta Foundation fundraiser
Assemblymember Das Williams, (D-CA 35th District), took part in a fundraiser for the Dolores Huerta Foundation held March 15 in Sacramento. *** Asambleísta Das Williams, fotografiado aquí con la destacada activista Dolores Huerta, donde compartió el foro y algunas palabras junto con varios…
WBA champ Rios shares new Belt with youth in Oxnard
Newly crowned WBA lightweight boxing champ Brandon Rios meet with youth from the Oxnard Boys and Girls club on March 30. Rios shared his life story with the youth including his troubled times while living in Garden City, Kansas, Manuel…
Latino Links: Health Trends
Latino health is being examined in a book series. “The new Buena Salud book series presents the latest Latino health information and medical advances about individual diseases and conditions in a warm and conversational tone.” Written by Dr. Jane L.…
Healthcare Reform celebrates one-year anniversary
Attendees celebrate the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act during a presentation held March 28 at the Oxnard Public Library in Oxnard. “The health care law has provided critical benefits for families, seniors, and small businesses…
Community celebrates El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards
It was a full house when El Concilio Family Services presented its 22nd Latino Leadership Awards on March 26 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The awards this year focused on educators who make a difference in the community. The…
Community attends Braceros presentation at Museum of Ventura County
Jose Alamillo, a professor at CSU Channel Islands, speaks with Port Hueneme Mayor Sylvia Muñoz Schnopp during the presentation “The Braceros of Ventura County,” a traveling exhibit in collaboration with California State University Channel Islands, illustrating the impact of the…
Robert Lopez purchases Topa Tower Club
After 24 years of service and dedication to the Topa Tower Club, Robert Lopez, who most recently served as the club’s general manager, has purchased the private member city club in Oxnard, Consortium Media Services reported March 30 in a media release.…
El Centrito presenting Parent Promoters of Education Conference starting April 1
El Centrito Family Learning Centers will present its free Parent Promoters of Education Conference in Spanish from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 1, 2 and 8 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 144 So.“C” St., Oxnard. The parent-to-parent training model is designed…
Arts Obispo presents monthly artwalk April 1
ARTS Obispo will present its monthly first Friday “Arts After Dark” artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 1 in downtown San Luis Obispo. The event features an exhibit of established and emerging local artists in 28 venues including…
CAUSE reports library services bill gains supporters
The Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) is a sponsor for a bill introduced by Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) that would give communities a voice on how their public libraries are run, the organization reported this…
Das Williams reports on more funds for small business loans
The State Treasurer’s office is expanding its loans to small businesses through the California Capital Access Program (CalCAP), Assemblymember Das Williams, 35th district, reported Tuesday, March 29. CalCAP encourages Banks, Credit Unions, Savings Institutions, and Community Development Financial Institutions to make…
Santa Paula holds reception for 74th Annual Art and Photography Show on March 26
Xavier ‘Big X’ Montes of the De Colores Art Gropu reports he will be performing at the reception for 74th Annual Art and Photography Show from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 26 at the Santa Paula Blanchard Library, 119…
MICOP seeking volunteers for March 26 community meeting
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is seeking volunteers to work with small groups to provide literacy training for this weekend’s monthly community meeting. The community meeting will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26 at Harrington Elementary…
Braceros — soldiers in the fields
World War II-era program has impact to this very day. Exhibit opens March 24. By Mariana Llamas-Cendon /Amigos805.com The Bracero Program had a profoundly personal impact on the life of Jose Alamillo. His father, grandfather and other family members left…
Rio Mesa’s Safe & Sober After-Prom Party seeking donations for yard sale on April 2
Rio Mesa High School is seeking donations for its inaugural yard sale to benefit the school’s 16th annual Safe & Sober After-Prom Party. The yard sale will be held April 2. Parents and students can drop donations at the large…
Ventura College East Campus holds ‘Expo ’11” on March 24
The Ventura College East Campus will hold “Expo ’11” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at 115 Dean Drive, Suite A, Santa Paula. Exhibitors will provide information on community programs, student services, activities and clubs, with the…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Lupe Murillo
Editor’s note: Amigos805 is presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the community.…
Free VITA tax services set for March 18 at Oxnard College
Free tax preparation services for taxpayers with annual incomes of $49,000 or less will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 18 at Oxnard College, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Room CSSC-101, Oxnard, Assemblymember Das Williams, 35th District, reported…
Oxnard, Port Hueneme students submit entries to Strawberry Festival
Forty-five teachers and 727 elementary school students from the Port Hueneme School District and Oxnard School District have submitted entries for the 28th Annual California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest, the organization reported this week. The winner will receive…
VCCF accepting proposals for farmworker housing grant
The Ventura County Community Foundation’s Fund for Farmworker Housing is accepting proposals from local organizations to help alleviate the local farmworker housing crisis, the organization reported in a media release. The majority of the $135,000 available will go to projects…
Film screening, photo exhibit on Mexican Revolution set for March 16, 17 at CSUCI
A film screening and opening reception for the exhibit “Mexico, the Revolution and Beyond,” will be held March 16 and 17 at California State University, Channel Islands. The university’s history program will join the Mexican Consulate in the English-language screening…
Healthcare Town Hall Meeting set for March 14
Gold Coast Health Plan will present a Town Hall Meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 14 at Clinicas de Camino Real Inc., 200 So. Wells Road, Suite 100, Ventura. The program will include information on changes that will affect individual…
UCSB Arts & Lectures honored for ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! partnership
UCSB Arts & Lectures has been awarded the 2011 Association of Performing Arts Presenters/MetLife Arts Access Award for Engaging Underserved Communities in recognition of its ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! partnership, UCSB reported in a media release. ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara!…
Ruiz wins first bout at Golden Gloves Tournament
Andy Ruiz of Oxnard has won his first bout at the Southern Calif Golden Gloves Tournament held March 8 at the Lincoln Park recreation center in Los Angeles, Manuel Herrera reported in a media release. With a score of 5-0,…
Speakers sought for Moorpark College’s Multicultural Day
Moorpark College is seeking presenters for its annual Multicultural Day 2011 to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 12. The event, “Celebrating a Wealth of Culture,” presents an annual alternative day of instruction features insightful lectures, breathtaking performances,…
Immigration panel discussion set for March 9 in Thousand Oaks
The Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley will present a moderator-led immigration forum beginning with a reception at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 at the Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Confirmed speakers include immigration attorney Gabriella Navarro-Busch;…
Enrique’s Journey author to speak March 9 at Moorpark College
Sonia Nazario, author of Enrique’s Journey, will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 at Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road, in the campus dining room. Enrique’s Journey, the 2010-11 One Campus One Book Selection, is about a teen who decides to pursue…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Joseph M. Medina
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Latino Links: Health Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com While 99 percent of Latinos in California over the age of 50 are concerned about having access to affordable health care, only 34 percent believe they have the amount of coverage they need, according…
Lois Capps: House budget bad for California’s security
Cuts to port and border security endanger safety and hurt economy The seven month spending bill passed by the House last month would weaken California’s security by reducing funding for critical security grant programs, Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, stated…
Das Williams: Help me balance the budget
Dear Friends, Last weekend we held our first town hall meeting in Ventura concerning the budget. The nonprofit, Next 10, demonstrated their California Budget Challenge, which allowed attendees to vote on Governor Brown’s proposals to balance the budget. The Ventura…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Fundi Legohn
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Latino Links: Political Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com While the DREAM Act failed to gain approval from the U.S. Congress, Latinos going to the polls in 2012 are expected to remember the failed proposal and the inability by both parties to achieve…
Lacayo Institute receives $100,000 grant from Verizon
Verizon has presented a $100,000 grant to expand the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at CSU Channel Islands, Richard R. Rush, university president, reported in a media release. “We are pleased to have an…
Destino accepting grant applications to prepare college students
Destino: The Hispanic Legacy Fund is accepting proposals from local nonprofits so it can distribute $57,000 in grants for programs to boost college preparedness for Latino youth in Ventura County, the organization reported recently in a media release. The deadline…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Art Hernandez
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Latino Links: Business/Finance Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The nation’s sluggish economy has had a significant impact on mortgage lending to Latinos, while the community is getting tax time help in Spanish. The Chicago Sun Times reports that lending to Hispanics plummets…
Public continues to oppose changing ‘Birthright Citizenship’
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While Arizona Republican lawmakers ponder a variety of legislative bills aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigration in the state, a Pew Research Center Poll released Feb. 24 continues to show the American public…
Community celebrates Flor y Canto in Guadalupe
Poets, musicians and community members from San Luis Obispo and several neighboring counties took part in the Raza Speaks: Flor y Canto celebration held Feb 19 at the the Guadalupe Cultural Arts & Education Center in the city of Guadalupe.…
Latino Links: Political Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The economy, immigration and other hot button issues continue to impact the perceptions Latinos have when supporting Republicans or Democrats, according to a recent poll. Meanwhile, in a demographic trend that could be repeated…
Rosary services set for Phillip F. ‘Phil the Barber’ Marquez
Rosary services for Phillip F. Marquez will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at the San Buenaventura Mission, Ventura. Known as “Phil the Barber,” Marquez died at his home in Ventura on Feb. 15, after a brief illness with…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Carmen Guerrero
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Boys & Girls Club of Ventura seeks community speakers
The Boys & Girls Club of Ventura is seeking community leaders to “share their life experiences, skills, talents and what it takes to become contributing, happy citizens of the community” through the club’s twice weekly “Speakers Series,” Dr. Susanne Lammot,…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Javier Gomez
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Latino Links: Education Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com This is also a good time of year for Latinos to consider their educational options. Many organizations are accepting applications for scholarships and grants for would-be college students. www.hispanicprwire.com recently published the release “Tips…
Young Leaders Society presenting 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 Feb. 27, reported the Young Leaders Society, a program of the United…
Dr. Priscilla Partridge de Garcia to be featured workshop leader
Dr. Priscilla Partridge de Garcia, a Ventura County cinical psychologist, marriage and family therapist, will be a featured workshop leader for the March 11 USC Women’s Conference “Express, Encourage, Inspire”. She will be joining a plastic surgeon and a nutritionist…
CSU Channel Islands develops programs to prepare future university students
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com After years of planning, which included proposals to build on land overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Ventura and on farmland near the California Youth Authority in Camarillo, it was with great relief and excitement…
MICOP seeking literacy tutors
The Mixtec Advisory Committee 2011 is seeking volunteers for its new community-wide literacy effort. “Many Mixtec adults were unable to complete significant schooling as children, and many are unable to write their names, addresses or basic information,” Margaret Sawyer, executive…
Rio Mesa’s Folklórico Club seeking donations
The Rio Mesa High School Folklórico Club is seeking donations to pay for costumes so the group can perform at the Rio Mesa Dance Show “Switch It Up,” on May 6, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The club has previously…
Sister City Committee holding fundraiser Feb. 16
The Oxnard-Ocotlán Sister City Committee is presenting a fundraiser to benefit visitation programs between the two cities from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe, 1601 So. Victoria Ave., Oxnard. Yolanda’s will donate 20 percent of…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Elmelda P. Almanza
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Teatro de las Américas presents Actors’ workshop in Spanish
Teatro de las Américas is presenting an Actors’ Workshop in Spanish for persons of all ages, no experience needed. Beginning Thursday, March 3, the workshop will meet from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Teatro de las Américas’…
Mexican Consulate offering free Spanish-language textbooks
The government of México is presenting its “The 2011 Free Spanish Textbooks Program” to local educators and educational institutions, the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard reported this week. “This is a important tool for educators who are looking to improve their relationship…
CSUCI’s program seeks to make parks relevant to diverse youth community
California State University, Channel Islands working with National Parks Service in increase access Minority youth often have little history using parks for recreation and other outdoor activities. To reverse that trend, the National Parks Service Foundation is teaming up with…
Commentary: The ebb and flow of immigration to the U.S.
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The number of undocumented immigrants coming the U.S. remained virtually unchanged in 2010 (11.2 million) over the prior year, according to new estimates by the Pew Hispanic Center. While the report focused on the…
Garcia Boxing Academy receives van from Barber Ford
Photo courtesy of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy A custom van with a special van wrap mural was donated by Barber Ford in Ventura to the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy during a ceremony held Feb. 3 at the academy in…
Oxnard celebrates swearing in of new police chief
By Jess Gutierrez / Special to Amigos805 “It’s nice to say ‘chief,’ and it’s a female,” said Oxnard Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Irene Pinkard loudly during the recent swearing in of Oxnard’s new Police Chief Jeri Williams, the first…
Commentary: Community advocate shared her strong spirit on a number of causes
Memorial service set for Feb. 5 for Avie Guerra By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It was with much sadness that we learned this week of the passing of Marie Avelina Guerra. “Avie,” as we all knew her, was a strong…
FOOD Share launches ‘Tackle Hunger Super Bowl’ food drive
FOOD Share has launched its Tackle Hunger Super Bowl food drive, encouraging high school students, sports groups and the Associated Student Body to help collect 25,000 pounds of food from now through Feb. 28, Ventura County’s regional food bank reported…
California Strawberry Festival awards scholarships
The non-profit California Strawberry Festival has awarded $6,000 in scholarships to deserving students throughout Ventura County, Sumiko Kato reported recently. Kato is a board member and scholarship chairman of the Dr. Kato Scholarship Award Committee. Giving back is a part of the…
Rio School District accepting applications
The Rio School District is accepting applications for open enrollment, intra-district transfers Feb. 1 through March 1, the district reported in a media release. Intra-district transfers are transfers requested by resident district students who wish to enroll at a school site other…
Young Leaders Society holding mixer Jan. 27
The Young Leaders Society will hold its Post Holiday Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Carnegie Art Museum, 424 So. C St., Oxnard. Reservations are due by Jan. 25. For more information, contact Pedro A.…
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. march photo gallery
Photos courtesy of Jess Gutierrez Photo slideshow by Mariana Llamas-Cendon / Amigos805 Hundreds of participants attended a march in Oxnard on Jan. 17 honoring the 25th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The march began at Oxnard’s historic…
Seminar for small businesses starting Jan. 22 in Santa Barbara
“Seminarios para Negocios Pequeños — 2011” (Seminars for Small Businesses) will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12 at Santa Barbara City College, Wake Center Auditorium, 300 No. Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara. Topics include finanzas, impuestos, mercadotecnia, fl…
Oxnard resident wins Ventura Music Festival’s Student Jazz Competition
Oxnard resident Rachel Flowers, 17, earned top honors at the Ventura Music Festival’s annual Student Jazz Competition held Jan. 16 at Ventura’s Laurel Theatre, the festival reported in a media release. Flowers was awarded both the opportunity to play on stage with Cuban jazz…
Hundreds march in Oxnard in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
By Jess Gutierrez Hundreds marched from Oxnard’s Plaza Park to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Monday, Jan. 17 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Under sunny warm weather, families, individuals,…
Board of Supervisors make history with appointment
For the first time in about 100 years, a Latino citizen, John Zaragoza, was appointed vice chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. The appointment was made at the Jan. 11 Board of Supervisors meeting. Adolfo Camarillo, the only…
1,300 children celebrate Reyes Magos in Santa Barbara
Nearly 1,300 children were able to receive gifts thanks to donations made for “El Día de los Reyes Magos” celebration held Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Santa Barbara. The event was organized by…
Immigration, financial information forum set for Jan. 19
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard reported that an immigration and financial information forum will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19, 26 and Feb. 2 in Ventura County. An informational forum on immigration will be held Jan. 19…
CSU Channel Islands receives Carnegie Community Engagement award
CSU Channel Islands was recently selected as one of 115 institutions nationwide chosen by the Carnegie Foundation to receive its 2010 Community Engagement Classification, university officials reported this week in a media release. This is an elective classification which recognizes exemplary…
Student jazz finalists to compete Jan. 16 in Ventura
Five finalists of the Ventura Music Festival’s Student Jazz Competition will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16 at the Laurel Theater, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. The students are competing to win scholarships and the opportunity to perform with…
AIDS partnership seeks dancers
The Ventura County AIDS partnership is seeking dancers for the “Rhythms of Life: Dance for AIDS” celebration on May 21. More than 300 guests were entertained by a cast of 100 performers and volunteers last year during an event designed to…
Amigos805 video calendar
El Concilio names award winners
Carmen Guerrero, Javier Gomez and Art Hernandez are among a group of educators selected as winners of El Concilio de Condado de Ventura’s 2011 Latino Leadership Awards to be presented March 26 in Oxnard The awards focus this year on…
Latinos gaining in political power nationwide
Key swing states seeing growth of Latino population By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Latino voters are playing a big role in states that gained congressional seats and Electorial College votes, according to a report released this week by the Pew…
Promotoras y Promotores holding Zumba health event Jan. 8
The Promotoras y Promotores Foundation is inviting the public to participate in its first Zumba Health event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at Casa del Mexicano, 218 So. 11th St., Santa Paula. The exercise event is…
Sugar Beets holding New Year’s Eve celebration
Reservations are strongly suggested for the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Sugar Beets Restaurant, 255 So. A St., Oxnard, co-owner Lupe Ledesma reported recently. The event, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, features a plated dinner created by Chef…
Toy donations sought for S.B.’s Reyes Magos celebration
Donations of toys are being accepted for the Reyes Magos celebration that will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Santa Barbara, the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard reported…
De Colores holding closing reception Dec. 30
Andrea Vargas-Mendoza will be one of the guest artists attending the closing reception for the De Colores Art Exhibit from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30 at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 No. 10th St., Santa Paula. The…
Students, educators honored at Rio School District luncheon
Thirty-five 4th- through 8th-grade students were recognized as role models to their peers and adults at the Rio School District’s Inspirational Student Recognition Program Luncheon, the district reported in a media release. The students recognized at the luncheon include Victoria…