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.…
Category: Youth
Law authored by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson to encourage young people to vote takes effect
SACRAMENTO – A law authored by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to encourage young people to vote by allowing voter pre-registration beginning at age 16 has just taken effect. In 2014, Jackson authored Senate Bill 113 and Governor Jerry Brown signed it…
Montecito Family YMCA: 7 Healthy Habits for Your Family to Help Solve Childhood Obesity
California now ranked No. 1 in percentage of children considered overweight or obese; Childhood obesity has more than tripled during the past 30 years MONTECITO – September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and while the dangers of childhood obesity are…
Hispanic Heritage Month: One month is not enough
Too many issues and events to squeeze into one month of reflection and celebration By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Many folks wonder why Hispanic Heritage Month is divided between September and October. Yes, at least we get a month,…
Community Philanthropy Teams Up to Fund New Vehicle for Youth and Family Services YMCA
SANTA BARBARA – Noah’s Anchorage, a program of Youth and Family Services YMCA, was the grateful recipient of a new vehicle to aid in the necessary daily transportation of youth in the program. The vehicle purchase was funded by donations from the…
Foster VC Kids, Ventura County Office of Education Collaborate on Innovative Support Systems for Foster Youth
Parent Teacher Forum to be held Oct. 11 VENTURA COUNTY — School stability is extraordinarily difficult for youth that experience life in foster care. Less than 50% of foster youth graduate from high school and only 3% go on to…
Snap a “Selfie” for Hunger Action Month
VENTURA COUNTY — September is Hunger Action Month, and FOOD Share is asking everyone to share the message that 1 in 6 Ventura County residents is still food insecure. That’s 136,000 of our children, families, and seniors who lack, at…
‘El Proximo Paso’ Event Provides College Information to Spanish-speaking Parents and Teens
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…