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…
Category: Youth
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…