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 In his…
Category: Youth
First CEO of Homeboy Industries to speak at CLU’s Corporate Leaders Breakfast on March 3
THOUSAND OAKS — Thomas Vozzo of Thousand Oaks, the first CEO of Homeboy Industries, will discuss his efforts to make the nonprofit more self-sufficient at California Lutheran University’s Corporate Leaders Breakfast in Agoura Hills at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 3 at the…
Oxnard College to present Tinto Tango in concert on March 4
OXNARD — The 2015 Oxnard College Spring Literature, Arts and Lecture Series will present Tinto Tango in concert and dance performance from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard.…
UCSB Multicultural Center to present the Cup of Culture film screening of ‘La Mission’ on March 4
SANTA BARBARA — The UCSB Multicultural Center will present the Cup of Culture film screening of “La Mission” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at the MCC Theater. Growing up in the Mission District of San Francisco, Che Rivera has always had…
Ventura College Santa Paula Site to present information on California Dream Act on Feb. 26
SANTA PAULA — The Ventura College Financial Aid Office will discuss changes in California legislation in regards to AB540 and how undocumented students are now eligible for Financial Aid and other resources from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 at…
Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month with Dental Health Fair on Feb. 22
OXNARD — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month with a Dental Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 at Del Sol Park, 1500 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard. “Children’s teeth are meant…
Author of ‘Solidarity Politics for Millennials’ to speak at CLU on Feb. 10
THOUSAND OAKS — CLU to present the free discussion “Intersectionality and Deep Political Solidarity: The Wonder Twin Powers of Social Justice” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks in Ullman 100/101. There are…
Lacayo Vista Leadership Academy to celebrate its first group of Latino/a protégés, mentors on Feb. 7
CAMARILLO — More than 55 percent of Ventura County students in pre-school through 12th grade are Latina/o, yet less than 15 percent of their teachers share their cultural ethnicity. An academy formed to promote Latina/o leadership education will celebrate the…
Camerata Amistad to perform free concert featuring Hispanic-influenced music at CLU on Feb. 4
THOUSAND OAKS — Camerata Amistad will perform a free concert featuring Hispanic-influenced music at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 at California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, in the Samuelson Chapel. The chamber ensemble of orchestral musicians performs a variety…
‘Por El Amor de la Cultura / For the Love of Culture’ to be presented at CSU Channel Islands on Feb. 7
CAMARILLO — “Por El Amor de la Cultura / For the Love of Culture” will be presented from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at CSU Channel Islands in Broome Library 1320. Join New Mexican artist Al Na’ir Lara and…
Commentary: Latino youth doing better in education, but are we?
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The news can be disconcerting for many of us who have been involved in one way or another in encouraging Latinos, and all young people, to succeed in education and life — high dropout…
Guest commentary: Reflections on the Chicano Art Movimiento — A primer
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 LATEST…
Adolfo Camarillo High School Mariachi program is seeking donations
Friends of Adolfo Camarillo High School Mariachi: Economic times such as these reduce government funding. Budgets cuts have cost the school system millions of dollars. Groups such as the ACHS Mariachi must raise most of their funding on their own.…
Bilingual commentary: Free community college — Doing our homework
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 Certainly,…
Guest commentary: Debt peonage of a new sort
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Frank P. Barajas / Guest contributor…
Guest commentary: Conscientious objector
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 contributo My brother…
Next Ventura County Foster Care Informational meeting to be held Jan. 27 in Ventura
VENTURA COUNTY — Foster VC Kids is holding a series of Ventura County Foster Parent Informational meetings on from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 27, Feb. 24, April 28, May 19 and June 30 at the Human Services Agency, 855…
Friends of Ben Saiz establish Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation
VENTURA — Friends of Ben Saiz have established the Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation, organizers reported in a media release. Please help us with a tax-deductible donation, or please forward to anyone who may be interested in…
January cover story: Hunger in the 805 region — an ongoing concern
Food drives during the holidays help, but don’t solve daily issue for those in need By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It was a bountiful gathering, nearly 200,000 pounds of food collected during the weekend of Dec. 5-7 to provide…
Health: Immunizations important for adults, too
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) New parents can easily become overwhelmed by the number of pediatrician visits their children need. By the time a child celebrates his or her fifth birthday, he or she has seemingly been administered dozens of…
MICOP to present ‘Pasatono Orquesta’ at Oxnard College on Dec. 15
OXNARD — The Mixteco / Indígena Community Organizing Project, the Latino Performing Arts Institute at Oxnard College and the Oxnard College Arts Collaborative will present “Pasatono Orquesta” at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building,…
Guest commentary: Lessons from Arizona
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. Mas sabe el diablo por…
December cover story: Holiday charity event ready to hit the streets
Santa to the Sea Half-Marathon on Dec. 14 to benefit numerous charities in the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It’s beginning to look a lot like — breathing hard, wheezing, thirst and aching muscles. Yes, ’tis the season…
Guest commentary: I am thankful my Chicano sons are alive
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 I am…
Oxnard College’s Latino Thought Maker Series to present ‘An Evening with Esai Morales’ on Nov. 20
OXNARD — Oxnard College’s Latino Thought Maker Series will present the free program, “An Evening with Esai Morales” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Auditorium, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. A self-described “actorvist,” award-winning…
Guest commentary: Acuna Art Gallery at Café on A in Oxnard needs your support
To Friends of the Café on A: You are probably aware of the work that we have been doing in the greater Oxnard community for two decades. About 15 years ago we, with the help of people like you, we…
Oxnard College to present Mariachi Aguilas de México, Ballet Folklórico Mestizo Nov. 21 through 23
OXNARD — Oxnard College will present a weekend of traditional Mexican music and dance featuring Mariachi Aguilas de México, with a special performance by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 and 5 p.m.…
November cover story: Groups in region busy helping those in need
Food banks, private businesses, others lending aid this holiday season By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While hunger and finding a safe and warm place to sleep remain year-round challenges for many people in the 805 region, the need is…
Local news briefs
SAN LUIS OBISPO — SLO RISE (Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower) has announced a change in office hours to meet funding cuts and increasing demand, the organization reported in a media release. “This decision was made after much deliberation,” Jennifer Adams,…
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. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-11 to find times, dates and locations. > The Ventura County…
Commentary: Día de los Muertos has arrived. Variety of events scheduled for 805 region
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 You can almost feel it. That special time of year when the veil between life and death is at its thinnest. Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead is upon us with a number of…
Bilingual commentary: The capacity to learn
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 Recently…
Acuña Art Gallery @ Café on A to hold reception for ‘Collective Voices-Abundant Years’ exhibit on Oct. 24
OXNARD — The Acuña Art Gallery @ Café on A will hold a reception for the “Collective Voices-Abundant Years” exhibit at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at 438 S. A St., Oxnard. The exhibit, continuing through Nov. 23, is curated by…
Inlakech Cultural Arts Center to present final free Día de los Muertos workshop on Oct. 25 in Oxnard
OXNARD — The Inlakech Cultural Arts Center will present the final free Saturday Día de los Muertos workshop on Oct. 25 in Oxnard. The workshop isin preparation for the 7th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, Nov. 1 at…
CSU Channel Islands to hold sixth annual ‘Day of the Dead: Celebration of Life’ on Oct. 27
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the campus and community to join in the sixth annual “Day of the Dead: Celebration of Life,” on Monday, Oct. 27, at the John Spoor Broome Library, the university reported in a media release. Presented…
October cover story: De Colores Art Show honors Gilbert ‘Magu’ Luján
Exhibit at the Santa Paula Art Museum celebrates 21st year in the city For the 21st year, Santa Paula will play host to the De Colores Art Show, an event that brings together the works of artist from throughout Ventura…
Día de los Muertos time is rapidly approaching
Workshops already in progress to prepare items for Day of the Dead celebrations throughout the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Soon the aroma of marigolds and copal incense will waft through the air, beckoning spirits to cross over…
Local news briefs
SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is seeking produce donors and volunteers for the Foodbank Backyard Bounty Day on Saturday, Oct. 25. Foodbank is calling out to community members with harvest sites (orchards or gardens) in south Santa…
Commentary: As Hispanic high school dropout rates fall, 4-year degrees lag
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Given all the news that funding for public education continues to suffer from the “Cut government spending” crowd, it is surprising that a new Pew Research Center report indicates that Hispanics and blacks are…
Business: The benefits of business podcasting
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) mall businesses, understand the importance of establishing an online presence. Identifying new content strategies can help keep a company’s name and business motto fresh in the minds of consumers. Search engine optimization, or SEO, and…
City of Oxnard to present 19th annual Multicultural Festival on Oct. 4
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will present the 19th Annual Multicultural Festival at its new location at Collection Park at The Collection at Riverpark, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Admission is free. Free parking is…
Guest commentary: Helping a Dreamer achieve his goal
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Gilbert Cuevas / Guest…
Guest commentary: Civility or Social Control
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 There…
iFoster event on Sept. 27 to connect foster, adoptive, kinship communities in Ventura County to valuable resources
OXNARD — iFoster, in partnership with the Ventura County Human Services Agency (VCHSA), will host a Ventura County iFoster Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 144 So. C St., Oxnard, VCHSA reported in a media…
Guest commentary: The Domestic War
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 Last Saturday,…
Free Mariachi Summer Concert to be held Sept. 21 in Oxnard
OXNARD — A free “Mariachi Summer Concert” will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at Heritage Square, 715 So. A St., Oxnard. The event features Orgullo de Mexico, Camarillo; Inlakech; El Guero & CSUCITLAN; Big X…
CSU Channel Islands sophomore Teresa Castillo wins 2014 CSU Trustees’ Award
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands sophomore Teresa Castillo is the winner of a prestigious 2014 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, the university reported in a media release. The annual awards are the CSU system’s highest student distinction, providing scholarships to one…
Bilingual commentary: Flight from the nest
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 Some…
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…
September cover story: Hispanic Heritage Month comes to the 805 region
Fiestas Patrias, ‘Celebracion de Salsa,’ beisbol in the Central Coast among events this month By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 From the traditional “Grito de Dolores” to local beisbol history, salsa dance lessons, free mariachi concerts, classical Flamenco dance performances…
Local news briefs
SANTA BARBARA — The United Way of Santa Barbara County is seeking volunteers for its 23rd annual Day of Caring to be held Saturday, Sept. 20, the organization reported in a media release. Throughout the day volunteers will help more…
Local health information
> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of September in various locations in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-09 to find times, dates and locations of upcoming…
Oxnard College to present ‘The Latino Thought Maker Series’ program on Aug. 27 featuring Carlos Portugal, creator of the HULU original series ‘East Los High’
OXNARD COLLEGE — Oxnard College will present “The Latino Thought Maker Series” free program featuring Carlos Portugal, creator of the HULU original series “East Los High” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Auditorium,…
Guest commentary: Oxnard Latino community faces epidemic / pandemic health problem
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 internationally…
Canceled: Café on A to hold ‘Painting Party’ on Aug. 23, 24 in downtown Oxnard
OXNARD — The Cafe on A, at 438 So. A St., downtown Oxnard, has been the gateway for many community programs / events for more than 15 years and is proud to serve the most at-risk youth and marginalized community. But…
Ventura Harley-Davidson will match every dollar donated until Friday to El Centrito STEAM Fundraising Challenge
By El Centrito Family Learning Centers OXNARD — Ventura Harley-Davidson gave El Centrito and our families a second chance to meet the $5,000 goal for our 5 Days to Raise campaign. When Ventura Harley-Davidson heard that our final fundraising total fell…
Bilingual commentary: Early childhood education is critical for state’s long-term success
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 Das Williams / Guest…
Ventura County Adult Education Consortium to hold series of town hall meetings on adult education Aug. 7, 11 and 12
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Adult Education Consortium invites Ventura County adult education providers and partners to a series of town hall meetings on Aug. 5 (Oxnard College), 6 (Ventura Adult and Continuing Education), 7 (Moorpark College), 11 Ventura College…
Rep. Capps to host Santa Maria forum on DACA on Aug. 9
SANTA MARIA — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) will host a forum where people can receive an update and review from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials on their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal application and information on…
August cover story: MICOP provides valuable support to growing Mixteco community
‘Night in Oaxaca’ fundraiser on Aug. 9, Backpack Drive ending Aug. 10 help fill needs in the community By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Just suppose you were dropped into a country where you couldn’t speak the language, couldn’t read the…
Commentary: Time to start planning for 2014-15 scholarship season
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Yes, it’s time for my annual plea. Back-to-school time should not only be the season where parents rush to local department stores and stand in long lines to buy school supplies for their children.…
Local 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 various locations in Ventura County. Visit the organization’s online calendar at http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-08 to find times,…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announces three new board members
Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare join board of directors. Clyde Freeman named board president CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold announced the appointment of Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare…
Bilingual commentary: Learning to swim
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…
Oxnard Union High School District to present free ‘Mariachi Extravaganza’ performance on July 23 at Oceanview Pavilion
PORT HUENEME — The Oxnard Union High School District’s Mariachi Program will present the free “Mariachi Extravaganza” performance from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 at the Oceanview Pavilion, 575 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme. The event features performances by…
Guest commentary: MICOP seeks donations during its annual ‘Backpack Drive!’
Hello friends, With your support, we will outfit 500 indigenous Mixtec youth with backpacks to kick off the 2014 school year. This is an ambitious goal for us, but together we can achieve it! Help the campaign by collecting school…
Young engineers show off skills at the ‘CI Spaghetti Bridge Competition and Celebration’
CAMARILLO — Students from Hueneme High School celebrated their completion of four challenging weeks of college-level engineering courses at CSU Channel Islands (CI) by breaking bridges they’ve worked hard to build during the “CI Spaghetti Bridge Competition and Celebration.” The 40 seniors…
Bilingual commentary: Coding for girls
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 An…
United Way of Ventura County to present ‘Stuff the Bus’ on June 21
VENTURA COUNTY — This Saturday, June 21 (the longest day of the year) United Ways around the world invite their communities to improve the conditions in which they live on Day of Action. Locally, United Way of Ventura County will kick off its…
2nd annual Job Fair to be held June 12 in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA — The California Employment Development Departement, in partnership with Santa Barbara County Workforce Investment Board, will present the “Second Annual Job Fair” from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 313 W. Tunnel,…
UCSB announces winners of the Thomas More Storke Award, other top university prizes
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…
Future Leaders of America: Youth pursue careers in medical field
By Richard Castaniero / Future Leaders of America — ric.castaniero@gmail.com OXNARD — Medical professionals from Ventura County gathered on May 31 in Oxnard to present career seminars for students of Future Leaders of America. Career seminar organizer Peter Martinez welcomed the 60 high…
Scholarship open to Oxnard High School District seniors
OXNARD — High school seniors graduating in June 2014 are eligible to apply for the Josie Salinas Educational Scholarship. Students from Oxnard Union High Schools and Santa Clara High are eligible to apply for one of five scholarships. Students must…
May cover story: The search is on for summer jobs for youth
Variety of training, placement programs are available for youth if they know where to look By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Monique Marquez recalls when she was 16, in high school and went looking for her first summer job. “I…
Local
SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is holding its “Share Your Lunch” campaign from May 1 through 31. The program enables the community to help close the summer food gap by donating the amount one might typically spend…
Bilingual commentary: Reinvest in higher education
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 Das Williams / Guest contributor “Education…
Sixth grader from César Chávez Elementary School in Oxnard wins California Strawberry Festival’s 2014 Youth Art Design contest
OXNARD — From an all-time record of 1,800 entries, the “berrilious” design of 11-year-old Itzel Gonzalez from César Chávez Elementary in Oxnard was selected as the winner of the 31st Annual California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest, the festival’s organizers…
Future Leaders of America to present STEM Career Seminar on April 26
OXNARD — Future Leaders of America will be hosting a Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics (STEM) Career Seminar for 60 high school and junior college students from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Center for Employment Training, 761 So. C…
Ninth annual Noche de Fiesta to be held April 16 at CSU Channel Islands
CAMARILLO — The ninth annual Noche de Fiesta, presented by El Club de Español, will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 in Malibu Hall 100. Come celebrate the diversity of the Hispanic cultures as we feature…
Guest commentary: You can make a difference by supporting the CAUSE Summer Youth Fellowship
By Marcos Vargas / Executive director of the Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy Friends, Here’s an exciting opportunity to open your heart for the hardworking youth who give so much outside of school to lead organizing campaigns for…
Bilingual commentary: Internet marketing — The new frontier
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 We…
April cover story: Empowering youth, adults through education
Ventura-based GOCARE Inc. seeks to expand its efforts to business education in Nicaragua By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Western Hemisphere. Much of the nation’s infrastructure was…
Commentary: Segue Career Path Mentors offer inspiration one student at a time
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 You just never know when that moment of inspiration arrives — when you are set on a career path that will guide the rest of your life. My moment of inspiration came after I…
Home: Make your home safer for children
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) According to the Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home injuries, half of the children who die before their first birthday die from choking or suffocation. Many times such tragedies can be…
Guest commentary: Agrarian Year Up program would benefit area youth, restore Ormond Beach
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 We at…
Local news
Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast reported that it received more than 670 Christmas gifts. “We were able to give to every single child brought to us in need of Christmas presents,” organizers reported in a media release. “A big hug…
Commentary: 10 reasons for kids to read multicultural books
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 Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest…
Guest commentary: Identity Crisis — An Arrested Development
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 The…
22 new volunteer wish granters needed in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo Counties
SAN LUIS OBISPO AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties currently has a critical need for 22 new Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County Volunteer Wish Granters. 20 New Wish Granters are needed in Lompoc, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria and 2…
Guest commentary: Oxnard’s Arts in Public Places and that silly little world called ‘sustainability’
An open letter to Oxnard’s Art in Public Places Committee 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…
El Centrito Family Learning Centers opens new toddler program
OXNARD — El Centrito Family Learning Centers, in partnership with First 5 Ventura County and the Ocean View School District, opened the new Little Dolphins Early Learning Program on Aug. 28, at the Ocean View Early Education Site (OVEES), creating…
Guest commentary: Vestal Virgins
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 Ancient…
Día de los Muertos workshops to be held Oct. 19, 26 in Oxnard
OXNARD — Día de los Muertos workshops will be presented Oct. 19 and 26 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, 250 E. Fifth St., Oxnard. The Oct. 19 workshop will focus on muerto necklace, painting…
UCSB Early Academic Outreach to hold ‘Higher Education Week’ starting Oct. 8
SANTA BARBARA — The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara will hold its fall Higher Education Week, a four-day series of events beginning Oct. 8, the university reported in a media release. Representatives from universities, colleges and…
United Way’s ‘Day of Caring’ volunteers clean up La Colonia Boxing Gym
Photos by Jess Gutierrez ©2013 New boxing ring, landscaping part of agency’s countywide effort By Jess Gutierrez / Amigos805 contributor More than 40 volunteers from throughout Ventura County painted, landscaped, cleaned and installed a new boxing ring at La Colonia Boxing Gym in…
‘Mixtec Indigenous Leaders’ panel talk set for Oct. 2 at Oxnard College
OXNARD — Maricela Morales, Jessica Arciniega, Arcenio Lopez and Israel Vazquez will speak at the panel presentation ‘Mixtec Indigenous Leaders: Models for Mobilizing and Empowering’ from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000…
La Colonia Youth Boxing Gym target for United Way’s Latino Action Team project on Sept. 28
OXNARD — The La Colonia Youth Boxing Gym is this year’s target for Fifth District Supervisor John Zaragoza and United Way’s Latino Action Team “Day of Caring” project, Zaragoza reported Thursday in a media release. United Way volunteers will be painting,…
Veronica Xochitl Valadez’ ‘Yo Soy Maíz’ lecture, reception set for Sept. 16 at CSU Channel Islands
CAMARILLO — The lecture and art reception for “Yo Soy Maíz: Danza Azteca & Indigenous Body Art” will be presented at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 at CSU Channel Islands in the Grand Salon. Featuring the works of artist Veronica…
Destino to award 2013 grantees at ceremony in Camarillo
CAMARILLO — Destino: The Hispanic Legacy Fund, has selected Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, El Centrito Family Learning Centers in Oxnard, El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard, Many Mansions in Thousand Oaks and the Moorpark Unified School District as…
CSU Channel Islands Student wins online scholarship photo contest
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) student Jeannette Herrera used her smartphone, artistic skills and a persuasive personal plea to win a national scholarship contest from online textbook-seller TextbookX.com. The 17-year-old psychology major from Santa Clarita Valley is the grand-prize…
Passing on culture, traditions to new generation
Please see slideshow below for more images from the event Fiestas Patrias activities encourage youth to learn about their heritage By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While it may look easy putting on a colorful costume and walking up on…
Black and Brown KEYS Youth Peace Project opens Aug. 26, accepting applications
OXNARD — At the beginning of 2013 Oxnard witnessed the tragic and reoccurring flair up of deadly youth on youth (4 youth were killed by what was characterized by the community as Brown on Black violence). In the wake of…
Comité Cultural Mexicano introduces Fiestas Patrias contestants. Announces scheduled events
Click on the image above to see a slideshow from the celebration. Hover over each image to see a description. The Comité Cultural Mexicano introduced the Fiestas Patrias 2013 contestants on July 26, 2013 at Casa Lopez Mexican Restaurant in…
Guest commentary: Love the kids. Hate gangs. Changing culture
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…
Tickets still available for MICOP’s ‘Night in Oaxaca’ on Aug. 3
OXNARD — Tickets are still available for the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) annual “Night in Oaxaca — Education is Liberation” program which begins with registration at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way,…
Deadline is June 20 to register for ‘Young Writers Camp” in Ventura, Santa Barbara counties
The deadline to register is June. 20 for South Coast Writing Project presents “The 2013 Young Writers Camp” July 15-26 at UC Santa Barbara and California Lutheran University, July 15 through Aug. 1 at Oxnard and Ventura colleges. The students, third…
El Concilio Family Services presents 2013 Latino Leadership Awards
Click on photo to see a slideshow from the event. OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services held its 24th annual Latino Leadership Awards on June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Awards went to Haida Jimenez, (a counselor…
Ventura County internship program gives students head start for career in public works
VENTURA — In an effort to introduce students to the different facets of public works and nurture interest in civil engineering, Ventura County offers a student internship program with the ultimate goal of students transitioning into professional public works careers.…
Guest commentary: A father’s wail — Why do you kill my son?
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 Two of…
Tickets now on sale for Pacifica High School PTSA fundraiser on May 10
Tickets are now on sale for Pacifica high School PTSA’s “Open House Wine Tasting” fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 10 at Rancho Ventavo Cellers, 741 So. A St., at Oxnard’s Heritage Square. The event is catered by Pacifica…
Oxnard College to present Multicultural Day / Cinco de Mayo on May 1
OXNARD — As part of its annual Multicultural Day, Oxnard College will also present Multicultural Day / Cinco de Mayo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 1. The event includes performances by Mariachi Alma de Mexico and Rio Mesa High…
MEChA de CI to present ¡Cinco de Mayo! celebration on May 2
CAMARILLO — MEChA de CI will present ¡Cinco de Mayo! celebration from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at Malibu Hall 100, CSU Channel Islands. Featuring La Más Picosa Banda Chile Verde, Danza Azteca & Folklórico de CI. Sponsored…
Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast to host ‘Descubre Tu Comunidad’ event on May 4
OXNARD — The Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast is hosting “Descubre Tu Comunidad” (Discover Your Community) event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat, May 4 at Oxnard Plaza Park between C and Fifth streets in downtown Oxnard. Girl…
El Concilio profile: Amanda Quintero
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. Click here or call 805-486-9777…
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…
Bilingual report: Civil Rights Conference to be held on April 27 at Oxnard College
Justice for Our Communities! Families Organizing to Resist Police Brutality and Abuse, organizers report OXNARD — Dozens of community organizations and several families that have lost their loved ones to extra-judicial killings by police are set to meet at “Justice for Our Communities! Families…
MICOP seeks volunteers for Mixteco community’s annual Día de los Niños event on April 27 in Oxnard
OXNARD — Volunteers are needed to support Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community annual Día de los Niños meeting on Saturday, April 27 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 S. Gisler St., Oxnard and Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenny St., Oxnard. “We will…
Casa Dolores to present Día del Niño / Children’s Day on April 27 in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — Casa Dolores will present its annual Día del Niño / Children’s Day event from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1023 Bath St., Santa Barbara. The event is free and open to the public and features arts, crafts, face…
El Concilio profile: Haida Jimenez
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. Click here or call 805-486-9777…
El Concilio Family Services announces Latino Leadership Award winners
Organization will celebrate winners at gala on June 7 in Oxnard OXNARD — An educational development counselor, a project director for a student access and success program, a community organizer and mentor for youth and an intermediate school principal will…
‘Angels on Harps’ to perform with Santa Paula Art Museum’s Strings Program on April 21
SANTA PAULA — “Angels on Harps,” a small group of students from Oxnard led by Xavier ‘Big X’ Montes, will perform as part of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Strings Program at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at 117 No.…
Local teens raise funds, awareness for children needing heart surgeries in El Salvador
CONEJO VALLEY — Generous donations have been collected from many sectors of the local community over the years, helping children in El Salvador receive life saving heart surgeries, Gift of Life Los Angeles, a not for profit association, reported in a…
Commentary: VC Board of Supervisors should reexamine allocation of funds to youth service organizations
By Armando Vazquez & Deborah De Vries / Guest contributors As the executive director of the KEYS leadership Academy @ Café on A, I have for at least the last 13 years come before you. Sometimes it is once a…
Prom Dress Project to hold fitting events in Fillmore, Oxnard
Free prom dress distribution (April 12 in Fillmore, April 18 in Oxnard ) helps underprivileged girls in Ventura County VENTURA COUNTY – “Prom Dress Project” is at it again, and this time, with the help of other community partners, will…
‘IV Encuentro de Son Jarocho’ to be held April 13, workshop April 14 in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — ProyectoJAROCHO and SONado Santa Barbara will present “IV Encuentro de Son Jarocho,” a festival of music from Veracruz, Mexico, from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at Casa de la Guerra, 9 E. De La Guerra…
‘Citrus Blossom Century’ ride on April 6 to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY— Citrus Blossom Century and Metric Century Ride offers cycling enthusiasts and fans the opportunity to ride one of California’s prime agricultural regions while supporting youth mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventuyra County. Smell the fragrant…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake raises $60,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ fundraiser connects caring community with Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring programs VENTURA COUNTY – Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature fundraiser nationwide, recently raised more than $60,000 for the youth mentoring programs…
MICOP seeks volunteers for monthly Mixteco community meetings on March 30
Volunteers are needed support the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting in Oxnard on Saturday, March 30 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 Gisler St. “We will be packing the food for the meeting that same day at 2 p.m. We would love…
Oxnard High School student preparing for next round of business competition
OXNARD — Oxnard High School senior Paloma Guzman is preparing for the next round of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Business Competition in May in Los Angeles, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme reported in a media release.…
Santa Paula Art Museum — FREE Teen Acting Workshop and February Fun!
In honor of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s tenth birthday, we’ve just installed a new exhibition featuring selections from the Museum’s permanent art collection. Since its genesis in 2010, the Museum’s collection has grown to include over 330 significant works…