SANTA BARBARA — The young members of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s Teen Night program recently hosted an innovative event to address what they had identified as the most pressing challenge for Santa Barbara teens – information…
Category: Youth
CSU Channel Islands Reports Record Enrollment for Fall 2016
CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CI) is reporting its largest entering class of undergraduates in history at 2,152 students. The class includes 1,021 freshmen and was selected from a record number of freshman 10,312 applicants, an increase of nearly 9…
Nationally Recognized Afterschool Program Open for Registration through Santa Barbara Family YMCA
SANTA BARBARA – As the school year begins, the Santa Barbara Family YMCA is registering children in kindergarten through middle school for its afterschool programs available at Hope Elementary School and Hope Elementary School. YMCA Afterschool is recognized as the premier…
Youth and Family Services YMCA Welcomes Valerie Kissell as New Executive Director
CENTRAL COAST — Youth and Family Services YMCA is proud to announce Valerie Kissell as its new Executive Director. Kissell is an accomplished Executive Director with over 20 years of executive leadership and partnership building in the nonprofit and public…
Lompoc Family YMCA’s 17th Annual “Kids for Character” Golf Tournament Successfully Raises Support for Local Youth and Families
LOMPOC — The Lompoc Family YMCA hosted its 17th Annual “Kids For Character” Golf Tournament, “The Ketrenia Klassic,” in memory of the late Ketrenia Hall on July 22 at the Village Country Club. This year’s tournament was a soaring success…
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson new parent leave bill heads to the governor
Legislation Would Provide Up to 2.7 Million More Parents With Job-Protected Leave SACRAMENTO – A California Legislative Women’s Caucus priority bill to provide job-protected new parent leave for up to 2.7 million more Californians has passed off the Senate floor and…
Cal Lutheran receives $1.2M federal grant
TRIO programs will now reach county’s junior highs THOUSAND OAKS — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded California Lutheran University a $1.2 million grant to provide Ventura County’s only federal TRIO program serving middle school students. The Talent Search…
Kids Have a Blast at Page Youth Center’s Summer Fun Extravaganza
SANTA BARBARA — Page Youth Center (PYC) recently welcomed the community to their Summer Fun Extravaganza event. Kids of all ages enjoyed a day of craft making, face painting, jump houses, food and live music along with a visit from…
4th Annual ‘Evening in Bloom’ Gala to Honor Betty Brown to be held Sept. 24
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will host its largest annual fundraiser “An Evening in Bloom,” a glamorous evening of dinner, dancing and beautiful orchids, on Saturday, September 24 from 5:30pm-10pm at Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria. The elegant annual affair…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Members Visit Washington D.C.
CARPINTERIA — Ten local girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria recently returned from an inspiring trip to Washington D.C. as part of the organization’s Eureka! program, a five-year, college-bound program that aims to break gender stereotypes and encourages girls to…
Sept. 30 Registration Deadline for High Schoolers Interested in Santa Barbara Family YMCA Youth & Government Program
SANTA BARBARA – High school students interested in a six-month hands-on experience in democracy are encouraged to apply to the Santa Barbara Family YMCA’s Youth and Government program. Registration closes on September 30. Participants experience first-hand how state government works;…
Local PODS Puts Oxnard Union High Schools Football Training Camp Fundraising in Scoring Position
OXNARD — Local PODS moving and storage may make a winning season for Oxnard Union High School’s football teams by donating containers and services for the football boosters’ yearly fundraiser at this summer’s Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard. Two…
Support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Enter to Win V.I.P. Tickets to See Dolly Parton at the Santa Barbara Bowl
United Way of Santa Barbara County Program Ensures Children Ages 0-5 Have Access to Books SANTA BARBARA – In support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, United Way of Santa Barbara County is raffling an exclusive V.I.P package to Dolly Parton’s…
Foster VC Kids Hosts Spanish Foster Family Informational Session on Aug. 24
VENTURA COUNTY — Currently in Ventura County, over 1,000 children and youth in foster care need loving families, mentors, and advocates who will support them as if they were their own. Foster VC Kids relies on resource parents and families…
South Oxnard / Port Hueneme GradNation Community Summit to be held Sept. 10
OXNARD —The South Oxnard / Port Hueneme GradNation Community Summit to will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at Hueneme High School, 500 Bard Road, Oxnard. Oscar Cruz, from Families in Schools, will be the featured…
11th Annual Boys & Girls Club’s ‘Day for Kids’ to be held Sept. 10
OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme invites the community to the 11th Annual “Day for Kids” 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Martin V. Smith Youth Center, 1900 West…
El Centrito Family Learning Centers unveils updated website
OXNARD — El Centrito Family Learning Centers unveils a refreshed website that highlights the agency’s mission “to create a multicultural community of excellence by inspiring the children, youth and families of Ventura County to learn, lead and reach their greatest potential.”…
Fall Enrollment now open for Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation
PASO ROBLES — All children between the ages of 5-18 are invited to enroll for a wide variety of free after school visual and performing arts classes. Students do not need to be residents of Paso Robles. Parents planning to enroll…
Rabobank Donates $7,500 for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Youth Education Program
CENTRAL COAST — Rabobank has presented Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) with a $7,500 grant in support of the nonprofit’s Youth Education Enhancement Program (YEEP), focusing on improving the literacy, English and math skills of student residents. Rabobank regularly supports nonprofit…
Computer Camp Prepares College-Bound Foster Youth
VENTURA COUNTY — 20 local transitional-aged foster youth have been selected to participate in a digital literacy computer training seminar, taking place July 15 and 16 at the County of Ventura Human Services Agency. A powerful collaboration between the Ventura…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates National Health Center Week 2016 throughout Ventura County through Aug. 13
VENTURA COUNTY — August 7-13th, Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will host events throughout all 13 of its health centers, in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW)! These events will be part of a national campaign, with the goal of…
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Welcomes 11 Entrepreneurs into the World of Business
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recently celebrated the accomplishments of 11 women and men who successfully completed WEV’s Ventura County-based Advanced Spanish Self-Employment Training (SSET) course with a graduation ceremony held at National University in Oxnard. After 14…
Bilingual report: Second Annual K-12 Resource Fair to be held in Oxnard on Aug. 13
OXNARD — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, in collaboration with the Oxnard Police Activities League (PAL), and the Ventura County Public Health, will present the second annual K-12 Resource Fair “Transitions to the Future” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at…
Foodbank Needs Your Help to End Summer Hunger
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Seeks Donations by June 30 to Reach $100K Matching Grant SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is approaching the end of its End Summer Hunger campaign, a month-long campaign to raise $100K to help feed…
321 Ways to Love: Local couple dedicates 35 years of service to Ventura County children and youth
VENTURA COUNTY — When Barbara and Edward Williams became a foster family in 1981, they couldn’t have foreseen the love that would fill their home. Recently honored by Foster VC Kids and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the Williams…
A Different Point of View Propels Youth into Aviation Careers
SANTA BARBARA — Local aviation nonprofit A Different Point of View (ADPOV) gave youth hands-on training in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) during its Aviation Career Program that ran June 24-26. This uniquely focused program, held at the Santa…
Channel Islands YMCA Association chosen to be honored at first-ever California Nonprofits Day celebration
SACRAMENTO — On Wednesday, June 22, Channel Islands YMCA Association, with branches in Camarillo, Ventura, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and Lompoc, will be honored as a Nonprofit of the Year at a celebration of California Nonprofits Day at the…
Page Youth Center’s Summer Fun Extravaganza Offers Fun for the Entire Family on July 30
SANTA BARBARA — Join Page Youth Center (PYC) for a super day at “Summer Fun Extravaganza” on Saturday, July 30th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at 4540 Hollister Ave. in Santa Barbara. Spend a day with family and friends…
Rock the Collection Concert on July 7 to Feature Fun Kids Zone
OXNARD — For one night only The Kalani Total Health Center will give kids and their parents an opportunity to enjoy fun activities and a little pampering just before the nightly act, The Long Run, an Eagles tribute band, on…
Oxnard School District Funds Summer Writing Camp for English Language Learners in Partnership with South Coast Writing Project of UCSB
OXNARD — Oxnard School District (OSD) added a final stamp of approval at last Wednesday’s Board meeting to another way of supporting its English learners – a summer writing camp. The summer program is in partnership with Young Writers Camp,…
Montecito Family YMCA Celebrates Father’s Day – a Tradition Started at the YMCA
MONTECITO — On Sunday, June 19, the Montecito Family YMCA joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact fathers and adult male role models make in children’s lives. The Y, a leading nonprofit in fostering positive youth…
Lompoc Family YMCA Receives National CDC and YMCA Grants to Develop Self-Service Bicycle Repair Station
LOMPOC — The Lompoc Family YMCA will receive $2,000 in total grants awarded to the Channel Islands YMCA to develop a public self-service bicycle repair station, helping empower local residents with more healthy physical recreation opportunities. The grant will support…
16 Star Chefs Combine Culinary Talents to Support Youth and Family Services YMCA at 17th Annual ‘Reaching for Stars/
SANTA BARBARA — Sixteen highly acclaimed local chefs came together to prepare extraordinary cuisine for the 160 guests who attended Youth and Family Services YMCA’s sold-out “Reaching for Stars” event on May 25 at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club, which…
Victory Gymnastics Celebrates National Olympic Day with Open House on June 23
NEWBURY PARK — To celebrate National Olympic Day, Victory Gymnastics Academy will host an open house for families and children interested in learning first-hand about the sport of gymnastics. The free event takes place June 23, 5:15 – 7 p.m.,…
A Different Point of View’s 3-Day Aviation Career Program Begins June 24
SANTA BARBARA — Local aviation nonprofit A Different Point of View (ADPOV) will give youth hands-on training in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) during its Aviation Career Program, June 24-26. This uniquely focused program, held at the Santa Barbara…
33rd annual California Strawberry Festival (May 21-22) benefits local charities, students
OXNARD — The 2016 California Strawberry Festival gets underway with its 33rd seasonal celebration May 21 and 22 on 15 picturesque acres at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard. Ranked nationwide among the top outdoor Festivals, the event boasts strawberries…
A passion to help incarcerated youth helps CI senior Ashley Medina win a Newman Civic Fellows Award
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) English major and fall 2016 graduate Ashley Medina, 23, has been named a Newman Civic Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors college student leaders who represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic…
Guest commentary: Institutions of higher learning in need of more H.U.G.s
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. Frank P. Barajas. Courtesy photo.…
33rd Annual California Strawberry Festival set for May 21-22
OXNARD — It’s a berry bash of iconic portions, the 33rd Annual California Strawberry Festival May 21 & 22 featuring berrilicious fun with outlandish eats, entertainment, fine arts & crafts, and more. Ever had strawberry pizza with a strawberry beer?…
Former Oxnard Police Officer Lives Life of Purpose Through Foster Care
Natalie Cardenas Torres joins panel of inspirational speakers at Foster VC Kids Informational meeting, May 21 in Oxnard VENTURA COUNTY—Ventura County resident Natalie Cardenas Torres has always been drawn to a life of service, but she never imagined she’d be…
Bilingual commentary: Grandparent Privileges and Responsibilities
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
UCSB Student Veterans Bring Unique Experiences; Face Additional Challenges
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Provides Financial Support to UCSB Veterans Program SANTA BARBARA — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is proud to announce its fourth year of continued financial support for UC Santa Barbara’s Veterans Resource Center. UCSB’s Veterans Resource Center…
More than $7,000 in scholarships available to art students
OJAI — The Ojai Studio Artists are giving over $7,000 for art scholarships to qualifying high school and college students who are residents of Ventura County and who are pursuing a career in the field of art. Applicants are eligible to…
Bilingual report: Conferencia para estudiantes indocumentados (DREAMer’s) el 7 de mayo en San Luis Obispo
SAN LUIS OBISPO — El Cuesta College de San Luis Obispo invita a los estudiantes, padres, maestros, y demás involucrados en temas educativos a informarse acerca de las opciones y recursos disponibles para los estudiantes indocumentados. Este simposio gratuito y abierto a todo…
Santa Barbara Family YMCA to Host Free Healthy Kids Day® on April 30
SANTA BARBARA — From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. on Saturday, April 30, the Santa Barbara Family YMCA is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active. The event features activities such…
Fairy Tales Come Alive at Channel Islands Harbor – First Performance May 1: Cinderella Meets the Avengers
Channel Islands Harbor presents Gypsies in a Trunk, the all-volunteer troupe of actors who perform free fairy tales for the young and the young at heart. They will be performing “Cinderella Meets the Avengers” at 2 p.m., May 1, at…
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara Holds Open House on April 14
SANTA BARBARA — Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara is holding a Spring Open House on Thursday, April 14 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tour the Santa Barbara and Goleta Valley Centers and learn about 2016 programs and activities. For more…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Announces “Women of Inspiration” Honorees
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to announce the 2016 honorees of its annual Women of Inspiration Awards: Natalie Orfalea, Co-Founder and Chair of the Orfalea Foundation; Geri Ann Carty, an active volunteer in the community; and Patsy…
Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions Educators to hold annual conference at CSU Channel Islands
CAMARILLO — The 8th Annual Best Practices Conference of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions Educators (AHSIE) will be held March 20-23 at CSU Channel Islands (CI). Hosted and co-sponsored by CI and three systems of higher education in California, the event will draw…
RISE Receives Grant from The Community Foundation SLO County
PASO ROBLES – RISE has received a $6,000 grant from the Opportunity to Thrive Initiative and The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County (CFSLOCO). This grant will be used to help survivors of domestic violence residing in the RISE safe…
10 Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Child
With so many summer camp options near and far, it can be daunting to sift through the choices and decide where your child’s summer will be best spent. Choosing a summer camp that fits your family’s needs and helps develop…
Sponsor the upcoming Girls in STEM/STEAM Hackathon at Cal State Channel Islands!
CAMARILLO — In honor of Earth Month, SOCIHACKS™ is partnering with the Small Business Institute of California State University Channel Islands on Saturday, April 2, 2016 to provide an interactive hackathon where 100 young girls (ages 9-12) from low income…
Guest commentary: Where is the Bold Leadership? or How They Came to Love Save and Cushy Jobs
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Frank P. Barajas / Guest contributor…
Oxnard teen honored as BGCOP’s 2016 Youth of the Year
OXNARD — Singled out among several outstanding youth, 18-year-old Glenda Guzman has been chosen as this year’s Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. A seven-year Club member, Guzman is a…
Student Teams Visit Santa Barbara for Affordable Housing Design National Competition
SANTA BARBARA — Now in its third year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Innovation in Affordable Housing Student Design and Planning Competition seeks to encourage research and innovation in the areas of affordable housing design and…
Popular Summer “Critter Camp” Sessions Provide Young Animal Lovers a Creative Approach to Learn Responsibility and Kindness. Registration opens April 1
Children ages 9 to 11 learn animal care, crafts and many other activities SANTA BARBARA – Santa Barbara Humane Society presents “Critter Camp” summer day camps for children 9 to 11 years old who love animals and want to learn more…
Righetti High School Marimba Band & Ballet Folklórico to present its 39th annual “Big Show” performance on March 18, 19 in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA — The Righetti High School Marimba Band & Ballet Folklórico will present its 39th annual “Big Show” performance at 7: 30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19 at Santa María High School’s Ethel Pope Auditorium, 901 S. Broadway, Santa…
Sesión informativa para padres de crianza el 22 de marzo
VENTURA COUNTY — El mejor regalo que puede darle a un menor es dejarlo ser un niño rodeado del amor de una familia. Como padre de crianza, usted ayudara a mejorar la seguridad, permanencia y bienestar para toda la vida. Ofrecerle…
Girls will go full STEAM ahead during second annual STEM-STEAM Hackathon on April 2
CAMARILLO — An estimated 100 Ventura County girls ages 9 to 12 will collaborate with female mentors during the second annual CSU Channel Islands (CI) STEAM Hackathon on Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Through a partnership…
Bilingual commentary: Girl Scout Cookies — The Controversy
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
Dads and Daughters Dance Night Away at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA’s Cinderella’s Ball
SANTA YNEZ – Approximately 500 dads and daughters of all ages bonded during an evening of dancing, games and prizes at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA’s Cinderella’s Ball themed father-daughter dance. The dance took place over two nights inside the Stuart…
“Dine for a Cause” Events to Benefit Lompoc Family YMCA
LOMPOC — The Lompoc Family YMCA is launching its 2016 Annual Campaign in the most delicious way – with its upcoming “Dine For a Cause” events. This year, the following locations will be participating in the events: Monday, Feb. 15,…
49 Oxnard High School students participate in National Groundhog Job Shadow Day Event
Congresswoman Julia Brownley phones in from Washington, D.C. OXNARD — A total of 18 businesses in the Esplanade financial area of Oxnard hosted 49 Oxnard High School sophomore academy students for a Job Shadow day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The…
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara Names New Board President, Welcomes New Members
SANTA BARBARA — Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara is pleased to announce the election of a new president and four new members to its Board of Directors. Tracy Jenkins, the incoming board president, and new members James Aviani, Victoria…
California State Summer School for the Arts taking applications through Feb. 29
VENTURA — The California State Summer School for the Arts is taking applications through Feb. 29 for a four-week summer arts program to be hosted by the Ventura County Arts Council at The Collective at the Pacific View Mall, Ventura. The…
Las Contemporáneas of the Museum of Ventura County to present the 2nd annual Latina Film Festival on March 12, 13 in Ventura
VENTURA — Las Contemporáneas of the Museum of Ventura County proudly present the 2nd Annual Latina Film Festival. Come celebrate Latinas in film and help us pay special tribute to award-winning Actor/Writer/Producer, Evelina Fernández. March 12 & 13, 2016 The Latina…
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara Flags to Fly on State Street through March 25
SANTA BARBARA — Flags celebrating Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara will be flying high along downtown State Street from March 18 through March 25 in honor of Girls Inc.’s more than 60 years of life-changing programs and services for…
Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. hosting dental health fair on Feb. 27 in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month
OXNARD — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. If you have a baby or toddler, you may have questions about thumb sucking, your child’s first dental visit or how and when to clean your child’s teeth. If so, on…
YMCA and Special Olympics Team Up to Spread the Word to End the R-Word day of awareness on March 5
MONTECITO — On Saturday, March 5th, the Montecito Family YMCA and Special Olympics Santa Barbara invite the public to attend the Spread the Word to End the Word day of awareness in support of the Special Olympics R-Word Campaign. From…
Boys & Girls Club members proudly display National Fine Arts pieces at Carnegie Art Museum Feb. 5-7
OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme invites the community to its annual National Fine Arts Exhibit Feb. 5-7 at the Carnegie Art Museum, 424 South C Street, Oxnard. The private Club reception and…
CSU Channel Islands’ Student Affairs division earns national award for excellent diversity, staffing practices and work environment
CAMARILLO — Excellent diversity, staffing practices and work environment are among the reasons CSU Channel Islands (CI)’s Division of Student Affairs has won a designation as one of the “Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs” for a second year in a…
Bilingual commentary: The Stars and Planets at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes With so many children admiring celebrities these days and questionably holding them up as role models, it was refreshing this past Friday to attend McAuliffe Elementary School’s (Oxnard School District) annual “Astronomy Night.” The school…
Girls Inc. Carpinteria Launches Literacy Initiative to Prepare Students for Academic Success
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is kicking off the New Year with the implementation of a new after-school reading and literacy program at Carpinteria Unified School District school sites and on the Girls Inc. Carpinteria campus. The Literacy Initiative is…
Guest commentary: Adelante… into the New Year with Café on A
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor It is…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County looks forward to celebrating National Mentoring Month 2016
/ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is looking forward to celebrating National Mentoring Month for January 2016. The National Mentoring Month campaign will acknowledge the ‘Bigs’- adult…
Local Holiday Toy Drive Receives Donations for Foster, Low-Income Children
/ Foster VC Kids / Children’s Services Auxiliary Currently there are 1,000 children in foster care and thousands of additional low-income kids in Ventura County, and these youth are in need of toys and other gifts this holiday season. In an…
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara Members Awaken the Force with Hour of Code
/ Girls Inc. Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara’s Goleta and Santa Barbara Centers were buzzing on Friday afternoon, as the local affiliate hosted the “Hour of Code” to introduce girls to coding and computer science. Approximately two dozen girls…
Bilingual commentary: The Case Against Homework
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor There has been a quiet controversy involving our children that has been brewing over the past several years. As in any controversy, there are exaggerated claims, false accusations and biased statements that serve to befuddle anyone trying…
November cover story: Area agencies prepare to wage war on hunger
Holiday season is typical time for organizations to raise awareness of those in need in the region From Amigos805 staff reports Given the rebounding economy and the stereotypical image of a laid-back Golden State, the statistics seem stark. One in…
Bilingual commentary: “After 17”
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Country-Western music is well-known for its ability to powerfully express the heartaches, the grudges, the pleasures and the joys that we experience in our lives. It often sings of our delights, tragedies and transitions — including those…
Health: Open Enrollment for Covered California begins Nov. 15
Period is one time of year when most Californians who need insurance cannot be denied by a health plan. Deadline is Feb. 15 By the Ventura County Health Care Agency VENTURA COUNTY — Open Enrollment starts Nov. 15 and continues…
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 November in Ventura County. Click here to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
Día de los Muertos events continuing this weekend
From Amigos805 staff reports Día de los Muertos events are continuing this weekend in Oxnard and Santa Barbara. The Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard will present its annual Día de los Muertos program as part of its Family Day from 11 a.m. to…
Local news briefs
OXNARD — CSU Channel Islands will present the 2015 Science Carnival from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, 2900 Thurgood Marshall Drive, Oxnard. Free to the public, the event provides students through grade 8…
Mexico U-17 National Team vs. Ventura County Fusion at Ventura College Sportsplex on Aug. 20
VENTURA — Mexico U-17 National Team vs. Ventura County Fusion will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 the the Ventura College Sportsplex, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura. One of the most popular and successful youth national teams in the world…
VCCF awards nearly $1.2 million at annual scholarship reception
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded nearly $1.1 million in scholarships to local students at the recent 2015 Scholarship Awarded Reception attended by more than 400 students, their families, and many of the donors who made the awards…
New book by UCSB’s Mario T. García explores the Chicano civil rights struggle in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s
By Andrea Estrada / UCSB The Chicano movement of the late 1960s and 1970s was the largest and most widespread civil rights and empowerment movement by Mexican-Americans in U.S. history. But without strong and dedicated leadership, it might not have…
July cover story: Cultural events heating up summer in 805 region
From performances by Teatro de las Américas to the Oxnard Salsa Festival and Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, events filling up summer season By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 From theatrical performances to moving to the salsa beat and…
Local news briefs
VENTURA COUNTY — The United Way of Ventura County has launched its “Stuff the Bus” campaign to collect new school supplies through July 23. The supplies will be “stuffed” into backpacks for children from low-income families, the organization reported in…
Commentary: Peoples’ Self-Help Housing helps to fight summer brain drain
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 With statistics showing that children lose one to three months of learning during the summer when they are out of school, it’s vital that parents find alternatives to keep those young minds active and…
BGCOP appoints new members to its board of directors
Strategic business developer and bookkeeping/tax manager join the club’s leadership team OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme announces the addition of Gregory Siuta and Veronica Quintana to its board of directors. Siuta,…
UCSB announces winners of top awards
By Andrea Estrada / UCSB Three remarkable graduating seniors at UC Santa Barbara have been named winners of the university’s top awards for their scholastic achievement, their extraordinary service to the university and the community, and their personal courage and…
CLU student gets national research fellowship
Oxnard resident spending the summer in a Texas lab HOUSTON — A California Lutheran University student is researching muscle and neuronal development at the Baylor College of Medicine this summer as the recipient of a prestigious fellowship, the university reported…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! awarded NEA grant for presenting performances, sharing cultures
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! has received a grant of $20,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts to further its program of performances and educational outreach in 2015-2016, the organization reported in a media release.…
El Concilio profile: Many Mansions and One Step a la Vez
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2015 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Saturday, June 6 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click here or call 805-486-9777 for…
Assemblymembers tour Oxnard nonprofit preschool center
Visit highlights local and statewide issues in early childhood education for agricultural families Oxnard, CA – The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) is a non-profit, community-based organization that was established in 1963 in order to serve disadvantaged individuals and families throughout…
Guest commentary: Power Corrupts, Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely!
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor The…
Gold Coast Health Plan to present 4th annual Community Resource Fair on June 6 in Oxnard
OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan will present its 4th annual Community Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at Plaza Park, 500 S. C St., downtown Oxnard. The event includes free health screenings and resource…
June cover story: Stopping the summer brain drain for students
While Hispanic students have been making gains in classrooms during the year, summer becomes a crucial time to maintain those educational achievements By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Summer vacation time is upon us. K-through-12 schools are busy completing their…
Commentary: June is a time for new faces at two area nonprofit organizations
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While change is in the air for two 805 area nonprofits, the new faces of those organizations will be quite familiar to local residents. Marcos Vargas has left his position as executive director of…
Bilingual commentary: The mess we leave behind
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 I…
Local news briefs
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation awarded more than $563,000 in scholarships to 284 Ventura College students in May, the organization reported in a media release. Awards ranged from $500 to $9,500 and were presented by the foundation to recipients…
Health: Drugged driving risks and realities campaign
By Ventura County Behavioral Health As part of a new effort to support personal and public safety, the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department aims to reduce DUIs due to marijuana, prescription and over-the-counter drugs using a grant from the California…
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 June in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-06 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County Health…
UCSB undergraduate María Prado is named a Woodrow Wilson-Rockefeller Brothers Fund Foundation Fellow
By Jessica Fenton / UCSB UC Santa Barbara undergraduate María Prado has been named one of nine new Woodrow Wilson-Rockefeller Brothers Fund Foundation (WW-RBF) Fellows for Aspiring Teachers of Color, university officials reported in a media release. Selected through a…
Traumatic childhood fuels resilience in CSU Channel Islands professor named an ‘Exceptional Emerging Leader’
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands Professor of Early Childhood Studies Carola Matera was five years old when soldiers showed up at her home in Argentina during the “Guerra Sucia” or “Dirty War,” university officials reported in a media release. Matera’s mother told her to…
SBCC MESA Program’s transfers surpass 100 mark
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program reached a milestone this spring surpassing the 100-student mark for members who successfully completed their studies at SBCC and will or have transferred to four-year colleges or…
11th annual Rebozo Festival to be held in Camarillo on May 17
CAMARILLO — The Rebozo Festival will celebrate its “10-year Diamond Anniversary” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Camarillo Ranch, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo. The event will honor the “1st Annual Honorary Madrina of the Year” — the…
Oxnard College’s Latino Thought Makers Series to present ‘Create Option C’ on May 13
OXNARD — Oxnard College’s Latino Thought Makers Series will present “Create Option C” — with special guest Esai Morales at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 at 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The documentary by Morales takes the audience through the painful and raw…
Guest commentary: Why we distrust and fear the cops
In Oxnard and throughout the nation 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…
Guest commentary: A circular argument on impaction
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 I…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present the film screening of “Pelo Malo (Bad Hair) on May 6
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center will present the film screening of “Pelo Malo (Bad Hair)” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at the MCC Theater. Junior is nine years old and has curly hair, or “bad hair.” He wants to…
May cover story: Helping youth make the right lifestyle choices
Santa Barbara Healthy Futures program seeks to improve health options for Latino, other youth in the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 One in five children between the ages of 6 and 17 is now considered overweight in the…
Commentary: El Concilio Family Services to present Latino Leadership Awards
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 From a university professor and a Vietnam veteran to a successful high school senior, El Concilio Family Services will honor a wide variety of deserving community leaders and programs as it presents its annual…
Local news
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a nonprofit organization seeking to inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold, recently hosted its Eureka! College Road Trip, with a group of local eighth-grade students spending Spring Break exploring college campuses between…
Health: Encourage a love of physical activity in youngsters
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, children and adolescents should engage in physical activity for 60 minutes or more each day. While fulfilling those requirements might not have been a…
CSU Channel Islands chosen to host 2016 national conference for Hispanic-Serving Institutions
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands has taken a lead role in a national organization dedicated to helping Hispanic-serving institutions or HSIs. In March of 2016, the university will become the first of the CSU campuses to host the Alliance of Hispanic…
Ballet Folklórico Mestizo Spring 2015 to be held April 24, 25
OXNARD — Ballet Folklórico Mestizo Spring 2015 will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The event will feature a special performance by the Oxnard…
Guest commentary: Oxnard Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training is a Fraud
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor As with…
Guest commentary: In Search of the almond
Impaction: A Symptom of Privatization 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…
Bilingual commentary: Educating the child at Oxnard College
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 Parents…
Guest commentary: In the name of justice and love, stop the killings
Only a Community Police Review Board can reform the Oxnard Police Department 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…
Guest commentary: ¡Agua y Libertad!
What do you do with Chicana/o Studies? 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…
CSU Channel Islands to present ‘Si, Se Puede — Four Latina recent Math Ph.D’s share their journeys’ on April 8
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands will present “Si, Se Puede — Four Latina recent Math Ph.D’s share their journeys” beginning with a reception from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at El Dorado Hall 110. Join four Latina recent PhDs to…
CSU Channel Islands to present ‘Farmworker Immersion Project with VC CLUE’ on April 10
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands will present the “Farmworker Immersion Project with VC CLUE” from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 10. The project places students in the community learning about farmworker rights and immigration issues. We will visit farmworkers, their…
Literary Quinceañera for author’s ‘My Very Own Room / Mi propio cuartito’ to be held in Ventura on April 12
VENTURA — In honor of Dia del Niño/Dia del Libro (Day of the Child/Day of the Book) the community of Ventura County is invited to a literary Quinceañera, a special birthday party for Amada Irma Perez’s (Ventura) first picture book, My…
Guest commentary: His Mexican
Age of the brokers 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…
April cover story: The legacy of César E. Chávez continues
Community marches, forums, service-learning projects and film screenings to be presented in the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It’s hard to imagine that César E. Chávez, who was born in the desert lands near Yuma, Arizona, was a big…
Commentary: Pew Research Center provides timely info on Hispanic trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 How many of you dear readers know that the number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. holding down blue-collar jobs is still below levels seen before the Great Recession? Guess we don’t need to…
Local news briefs
VENTURA COUNTY — Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College are offering a variety of classes this summer from general education to career technical education, basic skills and transfer courses, the Ventura County Community College District reported in a media…
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 April in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-04 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura…
Bilingual commentary: The Big Band Dance
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 Last…
Bilingual report: State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson — On César Chávez Day, let us remember his call for justice, service
SACRAMENTO – The life of civil rights leader and labor organizer César Chávez will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 31. In honor of that day, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) released this statement: “As we approach what would have been his 88th…
Hancock graduate selected as ‘One of Top 30 Students in California Community Colleges’
SANTA MARIA — A recent Allan Hancock College graduate has been recognized as one of the top 30 students enrolled in California’s 112 community colleges. Daniela Calderon was one of 30 students from 24 community colleges selected to the Phi…
Bilingual commentary: Wellness Center provides help for those struggling with mental health conditions
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 the Wellness Center Depression,…
‘Oxnard Caravana (43) — Todos somas Ayotzinapa’ el 26 de marzo en Oxnard
OXNARD — “Oxnard Caravana (43) — Todos somas Ayotzinapa — ¡Su dolor es nuestro dolor!” comienza a las 5:30 pm el 26 de marzo in la Placita de Oxnard, 500 S. C St. Caminaremos a Café on A, 438 S.…
Bilingual commentary: When failing math really hurts
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 It…
Café on A to present ‘La Cosecha / The Harvest’ photo exhibit, film screening on March 21
OXNARD — The Dr. Rodolfo F. Acuña Art Gallery & Cultural Center at Café on A will present “La Cosecha / The Harvest” photo exhibit and film screening from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at 438 S. A St.,…
Former Allan Hancock College ESL instructor to walk nearly 500 miles to fundraise for scholarship in memory of Fidel Herrera
Michael McMahon plans to help his former mentor fulfill a lifelong dream of creating a scholarship at Hancock for ESL students SANTA MARIA — For more than 20 years, Fidel Herrera taught English as a second language (ESL) classes…
Bilingual commentary: Banning the American Flag?
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 I’m…
12th annual Santa Barbara Brazilian Carnaval ‘Cultural’ to begin March 14
SANTA BARBARA — The 12th Santa Barbara Brazilian Carnaval “Cultural” will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14 with the “Feijoada Sabor Carnaval” and the open house at the Brazil Arts Café, 1230 State St, Santa Barbara, event organizers…
Guest commentary: Oxnard — The Arts City of Ventura County
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor The city…
Guest commentary: Impaction meeting bizarre
The illusion in the making 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.…
Early Academic Outreach Program brings colleges and universities to high schools in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties
By Andrea Estrada / UCSB The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara will hold its annual spring Higher Education Week, a four-day event beginning on Tuesday, March 10. Representatives from universities, colleges and other institutions of higher…
March cover story: Opening their hearts, home to foster children
Foster VC Kids seeks to double amount of foster caregivers in Ventura County By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While National Foster Care Awareness Month actually falls in May, Elizabeth Thasiah wants to raise that awareness immediately because of the…
Bilingual commentary: No girls at the Altar
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 Just…
Local news briefs
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced that Arianna Lopez, an 18-year-old senior and a long-time Girls Inc. of Carpinteria participant, has been selected as a 2015 scholarship winner in the competitive Girls Inc. National Scholar Program. She was…
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 March in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-03 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas to present ‘A Night of Boleros — Our Parents’ Songs’ at Oxnard College on March 5
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas will present “A Night of Boleros — Our Parents’ Songs” from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Teatro de las Américas and Oxnard College inaugurate their 2015…
Discussion on ‘Understanding Disenfranchisement of Latino Men and Boys’ by Dr. Aida Hurtado to be held at CSU Channel Islands on March 10
CAMARILLO — The discussion “Understanding Disenfranchisement of Latino Men and Boys” by Dr. Aida Hurtado will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at CSU Channel Islands, Broome Library 1320. Hurtado, a UCSB Professor Luis Leal Endowed Chair of…