Category: Uncategorized

CLU Professor Edlyn Peña joins national autism panel

THOUSAND OAKS — A California Lutheran University faculty member has been appointed to a reconfigured federal autism panel that will convene next week after a long hiatus. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell named Edlyn Peña, an assistant…

Bilingual commentary: Success built upon failure

By David Magallanes/ Guest contributor   There are times when we seem to be floundering in a sea of failure. Our dreams and goals don’t seem to be taking shape as we had planned, and that sturdy boat in which we had…

UCSB Multicultural Center’s Cup of Culture to present film screening of ‘Cartel Land’ on Oct. 7

SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center’s Cup of Culture Film screening of “Cartel Land” will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, UCSB. Hailed by The New York Times as “urgent and…

Finance: WEV to present free Spanish self-employment sessions

Orientations will be held Oct. 8 in Ventura, Oct. 13 in Port Hueneme, Oct. 15 and 26 in Santa Maria From Amigos805 staff reports Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV). will hold free, one-hour informational sessions facilitated by Spanish Program Coordinator Leticia…

Local business information

> Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin will present a “Manage Your Money Financial Literacy Workshop” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at CSU Channel Islands, Malibu Hall Room 100. Learn how to manage student loans, everyday tools to save money, common…

August cover story: Local teens travel to D.C. to tour sights, talk politics

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria members visit with local representatives, discuss youth mentoring grants, STEM legislation, immigration and other pressing issues By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 After a long week of meeting with congressional representatives in Washington, D.C., discussing issues…

Local news briefs

VENTURA — Anna Bermudez, the curator for the Museum of Ventura County and a member of the Bell Arts Factory board of directors, recently received a commendation from the Mexican Community Consul Jonathan Elias Alvarez. The recognition is for the…

Finance: WEV welcomes 18 entrepreneurs into the world of business

Students graduate from Santa Maria-based Advanced Spanish Self-Employment Training Course. Next session begins Aug. 18. Next orientation is Aug. 4 in Santa Maria Amigos805 staff reports Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) celebrated the accomplishments of 18 women and men graduating from…

Local business information

> The EDC-VC and EDD will present “Get it Right from the Start — State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 at the America’s Job Center of California, Simi Valley Room,…

Health: VCHCA celebrates ‘World Breastfeeding Week’

Amigos805 staff reports The Ventura County Health Care Agency has announced that it is supporting “World Breastfeeding Week,” which continues through Aug. 7. “VCHCA proudly supports breastfeeding as the cultural norm in our community by providing education, resources and support…

Local health information

> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of August in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-08 to find times, dates and locations.   > The Ventura County…

Standout Santa Maria High School students earn scholarships to prestigious Research Mentorship Program at UCSB

By Shelly Leachman / UCSB Determined to position herself for a successful future, Esmeralda Cruz is about as dedicated as teenagers come. Working hard and studying harder, she’s laser-focused on getting into college and, ultimately, forging a solid career. Asked…

Bilingual commentary: The Importance of a Positive Masculine Ally

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Men,…

Guest commentary: ‘Hearts and Minds’ forgotten

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Rodolfo F. Acuña / Guest contributor Understanding…

Linda Vega Dance Studio and ¡Flamenco! Santa Barbara to present ‘Romeria de Verano’ on July 25

SANTA BARBARA — The Linda Vega Dance Studio and ¡Flamenco! Santa Barbara will present ‘Romeria de Verano,’ an afternoon of flamenco dance and live music, featuring the city’s young flamenco professionals, at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25 at the Marjorie…

20th annual ‘César E. Chávez Memorial Celebration — March for Justice’ to be held on April 12

OXNARD — The 20th annual ‘César E. Chávez Memorial Celebration — March for Justice’ will begin with the community gathering at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 12 at Oxnard Southwinds Park, 300 W. Clara St., with the march to begin at 10:30…

Eric Harrison to join the United Way of Ventura County as new president & CEO starting Dec. 1

CAMARILLO — Eric Harrison joins the United Way of Ventura County as the new president & chief executive officer effective Dec. 1, the organization reported this week in a media release. Harrison was selected to lead the organization by the…

Guest commentary: Political Graffiti Part III — A moment to seize greatness

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Rodolfo F. Acuña / Guest contributor We…

2014 Fiestas Patrias to hold gala dinner, crowning of Fiestas Patrias queen on Sept. 6

OXNARD — The 2014 Fiestas Patrias  gala dinner and crowning of the Fiestas Patrias queen (“Cena-Gala de Coronación“) will be held from 5:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel, 2055 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, the Comité Cultural…

Allan Hancock College board of trustees approve Nohemy Ornelas as new vice president of student services

SANTA MARIA — Lompoc native Nohemy Ornelas’ journey through higher education officially came full circle when the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees approved her as the college’s new associate superintendent/vice president of Student Services during the board’s meeting, college…

Teatro de las Américas to present “Pedro Infante y la suegra triunfante’ from June 27 through July 12

OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas will present “Pedro Infante y la suegra triunfante – Pedro Infante and the Triumphant Mother-in-law” from June 27 through July 12 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building’s Black Box Theater, 4000 S. Rose Ave.,…

Two Boys & Girls Club members headed to World Cup in Brazil

OXNARD — Two soccer-loving teens who help promote fitness at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) have been selected to serve as official U.S. Flag Bearers during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the organization…

CSU Channel Islands’ Amanda Quintero elected vice president of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators

CAMARILLO — Amanda Quintero, director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives at CSU Channel Islands (CI), has been elected vice president of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE), the university officials reported in a media release. The alliance supports the work…

Bilingual commentary: Short lives in Port Hueneme

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor This…

Guest commentary: Roger Rabbit and the Great Angelino Land Robbery

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Rodolfo F. Acuña / Guest contributor As…

UCSB Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) to present Spring Higher Education Week starting March 11

Representatives from the public and private universities and colleges visit high school campuses to meet with students and discuss post-secondary education opportunities By Andrea Estrada / UCSB The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara will hold its…

Bilingual report: Rep. Brownley reports on $1.5 million in overdue federal benefits delivered to Ventura County

THOUSAND OAKS – In the year since Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) took office, Brownley and her staff have successfully delivered $1.5 million in overdue federal benefits to her Ventura County constituents, Rep. Brownley reported Friday in a media release.…

Bilingual commentary: Poverty and riches

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor There…

Local briefs

Aspiranet will hold an informational meeting for prospective foster parents who would like to learn more about the program from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at 1838 Eastman Ave., Suite 100, Ventura. Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports…

Donations, community support sought for ACCESS Water, Oxnard! youth swim, job program

OXNARD — As a beachside city, Oxnard has a staggering 90 percent-plus non-swimming low-income youth population, according to Debra De Vries and Armando Vazquez, executive directors of The Foundation For Educational and Employment Resources Development, the Café on A and Acuna…

CEDC, VCCDC to host ‘Community Resource Fair’ on June 1

CEDC event celebrating Homeownership Month will feature home-buyer education workshops, and foreclosure prevention workshops VENTURA — Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. (CEDC) and Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Center will host its annual NeighborWorks® Week event on Saturday,…

El Concilio profile: Padres Promotores de la Educación

Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2013 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The event is…

Destino invites proposals for $72,000 in grants

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation’s Destino: The Latino Legacy Fund is accepting proposals for grants to fund programs that expand opportunities for Latino high school students to succeed through college preparedness. The grants will provide support for programs…

MICOP seeks volunteers for Mixteco community meeting on May 25

OXNARD — The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is seeking volunteers for its next meeting from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 S. Gisler St., Oxnard. “We are also short staffed this month at Harrington and…

Support local nonprofits with your business card advertisement

Support local nonprofits while having your advertisement seen by our growing audience of readers in the 805 region. Your advertisements allow us to provide free public service advertising space for area nonprofits so they can promote their services and upcoming events.…

Oxnard College to present Multicultural Day on May 1

OXNARD —  Celebrating the diversity of cultures in our community, Oxnard College hosts its annual Multicultural Day festival  from 10 am. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 1. The event is designed to enrich the quality of student life on campus…

Commentary: Arizona Copycats — Mexicans in the Photo

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Rodolfo F. Acuña / Guest contributor By…

Time to gather your information before April 15 tax day

Free preparation service available for low-, moderate-income earners By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The hours are ticking away until midnight Monday, April 15. So where are you in the preparation of your 2012 tax return? Yes, some overly ambitious souls…

Bilingual report: La Hermandad, Mexican Consulate and INEA hold first graduation

La Hermandad, the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard and the National Institute for Adult Education (INEA) held its first graduation on Oct. 3 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Oxnard. Fifteen students received their graduation diplomas in primary and secondary education.…

Bilingual commentary: London — Land of opportunity

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Here in this country, we’re used to the United States being “the land of opportunity,” to where the entire world (except, possibly, those “blessed souls” who go out of their way to hate us) aspires…

Bilingual commentary: New opportunities, new dreams

By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor “Relief for DREAMers.” The unexpected headline appearing in two emails I received on June 15, 2012 brought a smile to my face. “TODAY, President Obama is finally granting DREAMers relief from deportation. “DREAM Act youth ages 15-30…

Bilingual commentary: The month of April

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor For several reasons, I love the month of April. Besides the fact that it’s the month of my birthday, here in Ventura County we can’t deny that April is the month of the finest…

Bilingual commentary: The Eighth Annual Rebozo Festival

By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor The garden party to rival all garden parties is right around the rosebush. The Eighth Annual Rebozo Festival will take place on Sunday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Camarillo. If you…

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…

Commentary: Increase your happiness by lowering your expectations

By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Lowering your expectations to avoid disappointment is a form of mind control that generates greater happiness. Our minds generally are responsible for determining how “happy” we are in life, assuming we have enough to…

Donation to the Imagination

In the tradition of holiday spirit of giving, the Downtown Main Library is a drop-off location for the “Donation to the Imagination” holiday book drive, sponsored by United Way, the Oxnard Public Library reported on its website From now until…

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Oxnard City Council on Nov. 8 to discuss Spanish-language broadcast

Oxnard City Councilmember Carmen Ramirez distributed the following information regarding the 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 meeting focusing on simultaneous broadcast in Spanish of Oxnard City Council meeting: “To people who care about the people of Oxnard — Approximately 30% of Oxnard’s homes are Spanish-speaking.…

Commentary: An 805 treasure

By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I am surprised to learn that many people who live in the 805 have never visited one of its greatest treasures —the Channel Islands. They are relatively unspoiled, and uninhabited, except by a few…

Commentary: Staying healthy in an unhealthy nation

By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Summer is at last arriving! Here on the coast, the sun manages to finally break through the clouds every day and bestows upon us a tempered warmth that invites us all to head for the…

Claudia Pardo’s ‘Atmostfear’ opening reception on June 11

The opening reception for “Atmostfear,” new painting by Claudia Pardo, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at the Upfront Gallery, 267 So. Laurel St., Ventura. The exhibit will continue through July 2. Call 805.405.4954 for more…

Events in Santa Paula, Oxnard make for a busy weekend

Mobile consulate services, concert, Cabrillo celebration among activities The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will kick off a busy weekend with its mobile consulate services from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe,…

Guest column: What do men want?

By David Magallanes / Guest columnist In 2000, Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt starred in the romantic comedy “What Women Want.”  As the movie progresses toward its happy ending, Mel’s character, Nick Marshall, brings his Martian orbit closer to that of…

Cabrillo celebrates 30th anniversary with Family Festival on June 4

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a family festival and resource fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4. The event, “Pathways to Peace and Prosperity,” is free to the public and will take place at Plaza Park,…

Deadline is May 25 for ‘Reina de las Fiestas Patrias’

The deadline is May 25 to apply for “Reina 2011 – 2012,” the Mexican Cultural Committee reported recently. Youth must decendents of parents of Mexican heritage, must be residents of Ventura County, must be between the ages of 16 and…

El Concilio holds annual Car & Cycle Show on May 22

El Concilio Family Services will present its Third Annual Car & Cycle Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Program sponsors include Amigos805.com,  Ayala’s Earthworks Services, Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina, Casa Lopez Mexican Restaurant, Commercial…

Boxer Brandon Rios shows that dreams can come true

Click here to see full-screen photo slideshow. Photos courtesy of Garcia Boxing Academy. By Mariana Llamas-Cendon / Amigos805.com At 24 years of age, Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios is a professional in the boxing ring. As an amateur fighter Rios had won…

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…