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…
Category: Youth
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…