By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel writer When the long-anticipated Cars Land opened this past June at Disney California Adventure Park, avid fans waited six to seven hours to experience new, exciting rides at the 12-acre theme land.…
‘Contemporary Latin American Artists from Ventura’ opening reception on Sept. 7
The Tool Room Gallery will present Área Intangible, an exhibit that showcases contemporary Latin American artist from Ventura with an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 No. Ventura Ave., Ventura.…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County needs support to receive $250,000 grant from Chase Community Giving
Area residents can make a huge impact by voting on Facebook CAMARILLO – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, a non-profit organization working to provide quality mentoring to children facing adversity is competing with charities nationwide for grants…
Free back-to-school backpacks, supplies given to Santa Barbara-area children
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and United Way of Santa Barbara County have partnered for the second consecutive year to provide backpacks and school supplies to 500 Santa Barbara County students, the organizations reported this week in a…
Last chance to advertise in our Amigos805 special Hispanic Heritage Month print edition
Time is running out to advertise in our Amigos805 special Hispanic Heritage Month print edition. The edition will include an update on all activities and events celebrating this special time of year for the Latino community, including upcoming Fiestas Patrias…
Foundation for SBCC receives $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo for Plaza Comunitaria and Wells Fargo Annual Vocational Scholarship students
SANTA BARBARA — The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College recently received a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo to assist two vocational students through the Wells Fargo Annual Vocational Scholarship and to support the education of Latino emigrants through the…
Bilingual commentary: Why college is still important
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor It makes me laugh when I think about how a cousin, many years ago, expressed his disdain for my other, closer cousins — as well as for me — in a collegially offensive manner:…
Bilingual report: Fiestas Patrias Gala Dinner-Dance to be held Sept. 1 in Ventura
The Comité Cultural Mexicano (Mexican Cultural Committee) and La “M” 103.7 FM Radio Station will present the 15th Annual “Fiestas Patrias” (Mexican Independence Day Celebration) “Gala Dinner-Dance” to elect and crown the queen of the “Fiestas Patrias” 2012-2013 from 5:30 p.m. to…
‘Social Resurrection: Ceramics by Richard Flores’ opens Sept. 1 at Museum of Ventura County
Ritual Vessels of the Maya Brought Into the Present Day VENTURA — The Maya culture of yesterday enlightens us today in Richard Flores’ exhibition of contemporary ceramic vessels at the Museum of Ventura County. Social Resurrection: Ceramics by Richard Flores…
Bilingual commentary: Is it worth it to go to college?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor In the newspaper from today, Sunday (I continue to be one of those dinosaurs that still reads the newspaper), a political cartoon with a disturbing message by cartoonist Steve Breen caught my eye. I…
Foundation for SBCC receives $5,000 grant from Southern California Edison to support the Guardian Scholars Foster Youth Program
Program assists Santa Barbara’s growing population of foster children SANTA BABARA — The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College recently received a $5,000 grant from Southern California Edison for the Guardian Scholars Foster Youth Program. The comprehensive program supports former…
Cerca de 400 personas en el ‘Foro de Acción Diferida’ en Pacifica High School, Oxnard
OXNARD — El Consulado de México informa a la comunidad en general que con el apoyo de cinco Abogados Consultores de esta oficina consular y un asesor de La Hermandad Hank Lacayo & Family Center, (también Plaza Comunitaria), el jueves…
“Tools for School” initiative provides backpacks and supplies to 300 Santa Barbara area children
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara hosted the “Tools for School” kick-off event on Aug. 18 at the Presidio Springs Community Room. The event served as a resource for Housing Authority residents and the…
Oxnard Boys & Girls Club receives positive feedback of its after school program
OXNARD — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme’s After School Program is a vital effort in bringing schools, community-based organizations, business partners and hundreds of families together to provide academic support and a safe environment for…
UCSB ranks among the nation’s top 25 colleges, universities in degrees awarded to Latinos in STEM fields
SANTA BARBARA — In the third in a series of reports linking college completion with U.S. workforce needs, the nonprofit organization Excelencia in Education has included UC Santa Barbara on its lists of the top 25 colleges and universities in…
MICOP seeks volunteers at Harrington Elementary School in Oxnard on Aug. 24 to fill backpacks
Volunteers are needed at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 to help pack about 500 backpacks with school supplies, to be distributed at the monthly Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project community meeting from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at Harrington Elementary School,…
Bilingual commentary: My Path to Digital Citizenship
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Just as with obtaining national citizenship, to achieve digital citizenship, an “outsider” — a digital immigrant — like me needs to be willing to accept a long, hard, difficult journey replete with frustrations. A large…
2013 Rebozo Festival Awards applications now available
OXNARD — Organization/institutions are encouraged to participate in the “Nomination for Appropriations” 2013 Rebozo Festival Awards, the organization reported in a media release. The awards are presented annually by Las Madrinas del Rebozo Festival of Ventura County. The next event…
Bilingual report: Deferred Action Information for Dreamers Forum to be held Aug. 23 in Oxnard
The Deferred Action Information Forum for Dreamers will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at Pacifica High School, Pacifica Art Center, 600 E. Gonzales Road, Oxnard. Consulting lawyers from the Legal Affairs Department of the Consulate of…
Bilingual report: Inaugural ‘Oxnard Show ‘N Shine Car Show’ to be held on Aug. 26
Alfarero Christian Community presents the inaugural “Oxnard Show ‘N Shine Car Show,” from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 in the Alfarero Christian Community parking area, 375 So. “K” St., Oxnard. The event is a benefit fundraiser for…
Bilingual report: Exhibit of traditional Mexican costumes set for Aug. 26
OXNARD — An exhibit of traditional Mexican costumes worn by the participants of the “Senorita Fiestas Patrias” cultural pageant will be presented at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 26 at Pacifica High School, 600 E. Gonzalez Road, Oxnard. There is a…
Final performance for ‘Divorciadas, Evangélicas, y Vegetarianas’ set for Aug. 26 in Carpinteria
The final performance for Teatro de las Américas’ “Divorciadas, Evangélicas, y Vegetarianas” (“Divorcees, Evangelicas , and Vegetarians”) will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at the Plaza Playhouse Teatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria. Written by Gustavo Ott, the play is performed in…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County receives Darden Restaurant Community Grant
Big Brother Big Sister has received a $3,000 grant as part of the inaugural Restaurant Community Grant Program from the Darden Foundation, the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants Inc., the organization reported recently in a media release. The Restaurant Community…
United Way of Santa Barbara County receives Summer Learning Award
The United Way of Santa Barbara County has received a prestigious 2012 National Excellence in Summer Learning Award for its Fun in the Sun program, the organization reported this week in a media release. The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA)…
805 region students participate in Just Communities’ ‘Community Leadership Institute’
Students from Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez Valley, Carpinteria, and Fillmore/Piru schools recently participated in Community Leadership Institute, an eight-day residential summer program in Ojai that trains youth from the Central Coast to be leaders in issues of diversity…
Cuarta generación de graduados en la Plaza Bicentenario del Centro Comunitario del Colegio de Santa Barbara
El Consulado de México informa a la comunidad en general que el pasado 10 de agosto se llevó a cabo la cuarta ceremonia de graduación y entrega de Reconocimientos a 51 estudiantes de la “Plaza Comunitaria Bicentenario” del Centro Comunitario…
Organizacíon de Clubes Zacatecanos celebrar su 14th aniversario 18 de agosto
Pre-K photographers focus on portraits in SBMA’s ‘Art in Motion’ program
This summer, 25 pre-school students from Storyteller Children’s Center worked with Tina Villadolid, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art teaching artist, creating photographic portraits inspired by the current exhibition, Portrayal/Betrayal, through the Museum’s Art in Motion (AIM) program, the museum reported this…
Ventura County together tackle hunger, homelessness with ‘Potluck and Sleepover’ on Aug. 18
CAMARILLO — Ventura County residents can get a feel for the obstacles faced by families struck by job loss or underemployment at the Ventura County Together’s first Potluck and Sleepover at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at FOOD Share in Oxnard,…
Bilingual commentary: Digital Natives and Immigrants
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor I am an immigrant. This world in which I find myself seems so strange sometimes. It’s nothing like the land from which I hail, where I grew up, and where I used to feel so…
Ros, Reagan join Lamia Financial Group LLC in Thousand Oaks
THOUSAND OAKS — Lamia Financial Group LLC, a full-service financial planning and wealth management company in Thousand Oaks, has expanded its financial planning advisory staff with the addition of Juan C. Ros, CFP®, and Jill Reagan, CPA, the company reported this…
Cabrillo’s ASPIRA Program to hold fundraiser on Aug. 14 in Oxnard
A fundraiser to support Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.’s ASPIRA Program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14 at Sugarbeets Restaurant and Bar, 455 So. A St., Oxnard. Ticket sales benefit CEDC’s ASPIRA Program, which encourages local youth to develop personal finance…
Commentary: Oxnard College deserves equal representation
By Frank P. Barajas / Guest contributor For my study of the Chicano Movement in Ventura County, I learned that before Oxnard College’s opening in 1975, Vietnam veterans and newly minted high school graduates from the Oxnard Plain rode buses…
More than 800 Santa Barbara fiesta attendees trained in hands-only CPR
SANTA BARBARA — As fiesta crowds recently celebrated Santa Barbara’s rich culture and heritage, dance performances and food during “Old Spanish Days,” more than 800 took the time to stop by the Hands Helping Hearts booth to learn Hands-Only CPR. A total…
Andrea Vargas-Mendoza is the featured artist during August at Gallery 28 in Oxnard
Andrea Vargas-Mendoza is the featured artist during August at Gallery 28, 1901 So. Victoria Ave., Suite 109, beside Channel Islands Harbor. This show titled, “Along the Water,” features her most recent California landscape paintings done a la “plein air” which means done in…
New book by CLU’s José Marichal explores ‘Facebook Democracy’
THOUSAND OAKS — A California LutheranUniversity professor is the author of a new book that examines the impact of Facebook on democracy. London-based Ashgate Press is scheduled to release “Facebook Democracy: The Architecture of Disclosure and the Threat to Public…
Big Brothers Big Sisters receives $20,000 Monsanto Fund grant
CAMARILLO – Studies have shown youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs show improvements in academic, behavioral and socio-emotional outcomes. 83 percent of children involved in the program agree that having a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor instilled in…
Free, low cost Tdap vaccine clinics offered through Aug. 28
Ventura County Health Care Agency Las Islas Mobile Medical Clinic and the Ventura County Public Health Immunization Program have partnered to offer low cost or no cost Tdap vaccine for students entering 7th through 12th grade this year. Clinics will…
Concert on Aug. 10 in Hollywood to celebrate contributions of Fermin Herrera, others
NORTHRIGE — Hundreds of people are expected to gather at Los Angeles’ Ford Theatres on Aug. 10 to celebrate the contributions of Mexican-American and Chicano performing artists to California’s richly diverse culture. Among those being singled out for his tireless…
Free dental services for in-need community members set for Aug. 11
Main Street Dental Group is partnering with Smile Generation to provide a “We Serve Day” free day of dentistry for in-need community members from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at 4360-C E. Main St., Ventura, the Mexican…
Bilingual commentary: A powerful weapon in our hands
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor If we were to commit the idiocy of handing a gun to a child, we shouldn’t be surprised if said child, in all innocence, were to hurt (or something worse, which we don’t even want…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County receives $80,000
Gifts from Martin V. & Martha K. Smith Foundation, Meadowlark Service League, and the United Women’s Leadership Council support the foster youth mentoring program CAMARILLO – The Martin V. & Martha K. Smith Foundation, Meadowlark Service League, and the United Women’s Leadership…
Future Leaders of America holding Youth Leadership Conference
VENTURA — High school students from Ventura and Santa Barbara County will be attending Future Leaders of America’s week long annual “Youth Leadership Conferenc starting Monday, Aug. 6 at the University of California Santa Barbara, the organization reported in a media…
Girl power comes to Oxnard College with Teatro’s play starting Aug. 3
Teatro de las Américas presents“Divorciadas, Evangélicas, y Vegetarianas” By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 One has guy problems, which is usual when dating a married man. Another is twice-divorced is a ready to end it all. Another puts her faith…
‘Old Spanish Days’ continues through Aug. 5 in Santa Barbara
Strolling mariachis, food of every conceivable variety and arts and crafts booths and music on the main stage — all this can be found at “Old Spanish Days” in Santa Barbara through Aug. 5. Festivities officially began the evening of…
Bilingual report: With schools in crisis, two propositions compete to raise funds
Activists plan to go door to door to spur potential voters to go to the polls, support initiatives By Cesar Arredondo / Amigos805 Just as students go back to classes this month, Maricela Morales is planning to start knocking on Ventura County…
Bilingual report: CSU Channel Islands celebrates 10th anniversary
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Students returning to classes this month will find a number of changes awaiting them at California State University, Channel Islands. Instead of the long leisurely drive through farmland from Lewis Road, the students will…
Bilingual report: Bariatric weight-loss center seeks to reach out to Latino community
From Amigos805 staff reports Being overweight can have a devastating impact on a person’s lifestyle. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea and a number of other ailments can be traced back to the amount and kind of food…
Bilingual commentary: Time to stuff the bus, fill backpacks
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Like most children, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the decision by my mother to take me by the hand and walk from our home on Cedar Street in Oxnard, down the long block…
Bilingual commentary: Keeping calm … But how?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor During my time in London last month, I came across one of those useful phrases to which one can go whenever necessary — a phrase that has the power to make our life enormously easier and…
Bilingual commentary: Five ways to prepare for the new school year
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor It’s true that summer can be just as busy as the school year. Often it’s too short for kids and too long for parents. It is a brief stop between the end of school, day camp,…
Bilingual travel story: Off the Beaten Path – Discovering Tubac
By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Tubac, Arizona was established by the King of Spain as a presidio in 1752, thirty years before the Santa Barbara Royal Presidio. Tubac, the first European settlement in Arizona, is known for outfitting…
Arts program set for July 31 at Café on A in Oxnard
The public is invited to a meet and greet program featuring William Strickland, founder and director of the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild and the Bidwell Training Center, from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 31 at Café on A, 438 So. A…
Clinicas del Camino Real to celebrate National Health Center Week
VENTURA COUNTY — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will host events in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW), the Ventura-based organization reported in a media release. Clinicas invites the Ventura Community to join them for a health fair from…
Bilingual letter to the editor: The importance of the Latino vote
Our community understands the need for jobs. We need a representative from Ventura County that understands our economic challenges. Farms contribute over $2 billion dollars to our local economy sustaining over 31,000 jobs in our community. Under this current administration Latinos…
Guest column: Business leverage and the networking nomad
By Shawn McCarthy / Guest Contributor Leverage is the essence of why leading sales professionals and small business owners invest their valuable time in business networking activities. J. Paul Getty once said, “I’d rather have one percent of the effort of…
Bilingual report: Community organizations call for Friday, Saturday protests to demand support for CA Trust Act from Das Williams
Open letter addressed issued to Das Williams following support for notorious DHS-ICE “Secure Communities” program OXNARD — Oxnard-based Todo Poder al Pueblo Collective has called for a protest to be held in front of Assemblyman Das Williams’ office at the…
Das Williams responds to controversy over California Trust Act: AB 1081
SACRAMENTO — When the Assemblymember last had the first version of AB1081 bill before him for a vote, which was May 2011, there were a number of questions concerning the legislation that could not be answered. Due to that fact, Assemblymember Williams abstained, the…
Tickets still available for MICOP’S Aug. 3 ‘Night in Oaxaca’ fundraiser
Tickets are still available for “Night in Oaxaca,” said Donna Foster, operations manager for the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project in Oxnard. “If you haven’t bought tickets and you’d still like to, we still have some tickets left so please contact us if you’d…
EDC-VC announces new micro-loan program
CAMARILLO – The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County is leading the launch in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties of Kiva Zip, a Kiva.org pilot program that enables small businesses to access peer-funded micro-loans of up to $5,000. The program is built on Kiva’s mission…
English-learners focus of $1.2 million grant to develop health, biology program for preschoolers
SANTA BARBARA — Studies show that many low-income Latino children begin kindergarten at a significant educational disadvantage as compared to their mainstream American classmates. With a $1.2 million Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institutes of Health, researchers at…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Police Department promoting bicycle safety awareness
OXNARD — There has been an increase in the number of bicycle collisions in the city of Oxnard in recent months, the Oxnard Police Department reported this week in a media release. Between January and June in 2011 there were…
Gold Coast Health Plan names new CEO
Managed Care executive selected to lead Ventura County plan OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) on Monday announced the hiring of Michael P. Engelhard as chief executive officer. A health care executive with more than 20 years of experience, Engelhard…
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July 24 is the deadline for information, advertisement submissions for August print edition
The deadline for submission news and calendar event media releases and advertisements for the August print edition of Amigos805 is 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 25. Amigos805 is also offering a summer business card-size advertisement special for the month of August…
United Way kicks off ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign on July 23
The United Way of Ventura County kicked off its third annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign to send children in need back to school with a smile on Monday, July 23, the organization reported in a media release. The United Way…
Teatro de las Américas to celebrate 20th anniversary on July 23
Teatro de las Américas will celebrate its 20th anniversary at 6 p.m. Monday, July 23 at SugarBeets Restaurant and Grill, 455 So. A St., Oxnard. Call 805-231-0127 or send an email to mcortese83@gmail.com
Día Nacional “DREAMer” en el Consulado de México en Oxnard
Te invitamos el 23 de julio Hora: 8:00am – 1:00pm Dirección: 3151 W. 5th St. Suite E-100 Contacto: Martha Teissier (805) 984-8738 Ext. 103, 105 y 107 Juan Matus 805-984-8738, ext. 113 La red de organizaciones “United We Dream” (UWD),…
Zaragoza announces groundbreaking ceremony for Wright Road paving in El Rio
A groundbreaking ceremony for the paving of Wright Road in the unincorporated area of El Rio will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 23, according to a media release by Fifth District Supervisor John Zaragoza. The ceremony will be…
Consulado de México en Oxnard: Foros gratuitos 2012
SCORE Café de Negocios for Spanish speakers set for July 18
Dear Friends & Colleagues: I would like to share with you the attached flyers for our First SCORE Cafe de Negocios event this coming Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Casapueblo Restaurant in Downtown Oxnard. We hope to make SCORE Cafe…
Bilingual commentary: “The Tube” of London … In Oxnard?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Imagine if here in Oxnard we had a transportation system that allowed us to travel below ground as if we were gophers, from the southern part of the city to the most northern regions such…
VCCF buys Camarillo building to house foundation headquarters
Building will be center to serve nonprofit leaders, provide meeting space to the community CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation late last week bought a Camarillo office building to house the foundation’s headquarters, expand its Center for Nonprofit Leadership…
Bilingual commentary: State Assemblyman Das Williams draws fire for opposing CA Trust Act, supporting S-Comm
Community organizations call for July 28 protest at?Assemblyman’s offices in Oxnard and Santa Barbara OXNARD — Assemblyman Das Williams (D-35th District) is walking a tightrope among his constituents in this sensitive election year after provoking outrage among migrant justice advocates…
CEDC celebrates opening of Oxnard apartment communities on July 14, 18
Communities will serve new families of farmworkers and individuals with chronic mental illness. OXNARD – The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) will host a grand opening event at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 18 for its two adjoining affordable…
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Summer business card-size advertisement special
Amigos805 will be offering a summer business card-size advertisement special for the month of August for all our social media users. For a discount price of $50, your business card will appear in August on our website, e-newsletter and in…
Hernandez issues response to VCCCD accreditation issues and perceptions
By Arturo Hernandez / Board Trustee, VCCCD This statement is in response to the recent public accusations against me in the April 16th, 2012 Report from the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, released by the commission on July 2, 2012.…
Commentary: Homeless at 9, artist at 15
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor 1 in 45 kids is homeless in the U.S. What can you do for 1? This is Inocente… “In San Diego, a young teenage girl’s eyes stare into a compact mirror. She paints a dramatic black…
News notes: Pajamas presented in Santa Barbara, heavy lift crane shipped from the Port of Hueneme
Pajamas for patients presented at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics SANTA BARBARA — Patients of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) received a special surprise on July 10 when they visited any of the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. About 350 pajamas for…
VCCF awards $1.2 million at annual scholarship reception
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to local students at the recent 2012 Scholarship Awards Reception, attended by more than 400 students, their families and donors who made the awards possible. The…
Bilingual commentary: Why so quiet?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Last week, I introduced the topic of my recent trip to London, England. The following is not necessarily fact, but rather what I managed to make out during that recent visit. These are my perceptions…
Bilingual commentary: Call for candidates!
By Denis O’Leary / Guest contributor We have all heard about the Presidential election of November 2012. We also survived the June primary elections to decide the candidates who will face off for county, state and federal positions. Yet, local…
El Concilio holding benefit night July 9 in Oxnard
El Concilio Family Services will hold a benefit night from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 9 at T.G.I. Friday’s, 2181 No. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Click on the above image, print it out and present it at the restaurant and…
Bilingual report: Efforts in high gear to avoid outages this summer
Residents and businesses can help prevent unwanted power disruptions, says private utility By Cesar Arredondo / New America Media/Amigos805 With its only nuclear plant shut down for now, Southern California Edison is asking for help from its costumers to keep energy flowing…
News notes: Fisherman’s Wharf lease expiring, Youth Empowerment Program holds ceremony
Five-Year pre-development lease at Channel Islands Harbor expires OXNARD —The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has chosen to allow the current lease at Fisherman’s Wharf, the corner of Victoria and Channel Islands, to expire on July 31, which is the…
Ventura County Animal Services: Protect Your Pets — or adopt one — this 4th of July
VENTURA COUNTY — The 4th of July week is the busiest time of year at Ventura County Animal Services, the agency reported this week in a media release. Fireworks scare dogs and they often run away from home and end…
Bilingual report: Staying local remains an attractive vacation option
Trips to wine region, state and national parks, historical sites are some of the local options By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While a trip to Spain or climbing a pyramid at Chichén Itzá may sound like an enticing summer vacation, a…
Bilingual report: Local activists respond to ruling on Arizona’s law
Groups announce plans to challenge remaining portion of law on other constitutional grounds By Cesar Arredondo / Amigos805 The recent Supreme Court ruling on Arizona’s controversial immigration law has been received with mixed feelings by some Latino leaders in Ventura County.…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Salsa Festival prepares a hot event
50,000 people expected to attend 19th annual event featuring music, dancing, cooking demonstrations From Amigos805 staff reports A 5k run, a variety of bands, a dance competition benefiting local nonprofit organizations and, of course, plenty of spicy food and drink…
Bilingual commentary: Remembering a family’s history
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Sometimes a fleeting comment can lead to a whole world of discovery. Such was the case for Sylvia Munoz Schnopp, who was visiting her father one day in 2003. “It started out by just…
Bilingual commentary: London — Land of opportunity
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Here in this country, we’re used to the United States being “the land of opportunity,” to where the entire world (except, possibly, those “blessed souls” who go out of their way to hate us) aspires…
Bilingual commentary: New opportunities, new dreams
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor “Relief for DREAMers.” The unexpected headline appearing in two emails I received on June 15, 2012 brought a smile to my face. “TODAY, President Obama is finally granting DREAMers relief from deportation. “DREAM Act youth ages 15-30…
Bilingual update: News briefs
A variety of 4th of July activities are scheduled for the 805 region. The 37th annual 4th of July Street Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 4 in downtown Ventura. Free. The 4th of…
News notes: Capps supports effort to keep low student loans, Schiffer departing Museum of Ventura County
Capps applauds passage of legislation to keep student loan interest rates low WASHINGTON — Rep. Lois Capps (CA-23) on Friday applauded passage of bipartisan legislation to prevent the interest rate on Stafford Student Loans from doubling. If Congress had not…
Capps applauds U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Affordable Care Act
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) supported the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, or health insurance reform law. “I’m pleased the Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act,” Capps stated Thursday…
Downtown Sol announces upcoming events starting June 29
A “Writing Funshop” presented by local children’s book author Amada Irma Perez will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 29 at Downtown Sol, 328 W. Third St., Oxnard, reports owner Marisa Lopez. Suggested ages 7 to 12. Free.…
Foundation for Santa Barbara City College receives $10,000 for “Transitions” program
Program Allows Those Released From California Criminal Justice System Access to Higher Education SANTA BARBARA – The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College has received a $10,000 grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara to support the College’s Transitions program, a…
Health fair for men set for June 30 at Ventura College Market Place
A health fair for men is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at the Ventura College Market Place, at the corner of Telegraph and Day Roads. Testing services will be provided for diabetes, colesterol, body mass…
MICOP seeks volunteers for June 30 community meeting
Volunteers are needed to set up and staff the children’s crafts area and provide clean up assistance when the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project present its next monthly community meeting from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at Harrington Elementary…
EDC-VC launches access to capital campaign
New program will package financing and business development services to startups CAMARILLO — The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s SBDC on Tuesday announced a partnership with GPF Real Estate & Financing Corp. to provide access to capital…
Applications being accepted for County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board
The Office of Ventura County Supervisor John Zaragoza is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on the County of Ventura Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board (ADAB), Zaragoza reported Tuesday in a media release. The ADAB advises the board of supervisors…
Vazquez joins board of Housing Opportunities Made Easier
Brianna Vazquez has joined the board of Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME), the Ventura-based organization reported Thursday in a media release. Vazquez is a recent transplant from Seattle, Washington to the Ventura County area and joined Hamner, Jewell & Associates…
Congress of California Seniors to hold open house on June 21
The Congress of California Seniors Region 5 will celebrate Elder Awareness Day with an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21 at the CCS Oxnard Field Office, 519 So. C St., Oxnard. The event includes the opportunity…
Guelaguetza 2012 Oaxacan celebration to be held June 24 in Oxnard
Guelaguetza 2012 will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 24 at Oxnard Plaza Park at C and Fifth Streets. Sponsored by the government of the state of Oaxaca in Mexico, the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, the…
Bilingual report: $1,000 fines to be issued for illegal use of fireworks in Oxnard
OXNARD — In anticipation of the July 4, 2012 holiday, Oxnard police officers will enforce the ban on fireworks in Oxnard, City of Oxnard officials reported this week in a media release. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting or handling…
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Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, June 22 to submit events, reserve advertising space for July Amigos805 print edition
The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, June 22 to submit July calendar events, information and reserve advertising space for the July newspaper print edition of Amigos805. A total of 10,000 copies are distributed throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.…
Bilingual report: Gold Coast Health Plan launches redesigned website
Managed care plan launches new site OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has launched its redesigned website featuring a dynamic new look and feel, the organization reported Tuesday in a media release. The new GCHP website provides online visitors…
Cancer Support Community to reach out to children, Latinos from June 21-23
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Cancer Support Community-Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara, formerly The Wellness Community will host a first-ever Cancer Support Summit, June 21-22 at the Cancer Support Community-Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara’s Westlake Village offices, the organization reported in a media release. Licensed therapists and professional staff will…
Bilingual commentary: A Trip To London
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor I just returned from a trip to London, England. My biggest dilemma in this moment is … where do I begin to relate my experiences? For purposes of resolving this dilemma, I’ve decided to share…
Bilingual commentary: Amnesty from taking a parent’s hand
By Denis O’Leary / Guest contributor Nov. 6, 1986, the icon of conservative thinking, President Ronald Reagan enacted the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). Amnesty! Twenty-six years later, President Reagan’s name has been bantered in the Republican presidential campaign as a standard to compare all other…
Health report: Some facts you should know about thyroid problems
By Rob Billiton / Wire report Your thyroid is a gland in your neck that can affect many aspects of your health. If you have problems with your thyroid, it can cause everything from depression to weight gain, plus it can…
FOOD Share partners with Food Forward to increase community participation in backyard harvesting program
Two hunger agencies to co-host residential harvest events to feed Ventura County’s hungry VENTURA COUNTY – FOOD Share, Ventura County’s regional food bank, has entered into a new partnership with Food Forward, a Los-Angeles based volunteer-powered harvesting organization, in an…
Naturally Wild Artisan Soap & Bath to honor ‘Phil the Barber’ Marquez at June 15, 16 grand opening
Naturally Wild Artisan Soap & Bath will hold a grand opening celebration at June 15 and 16 at 12 W. Main St. in Ventura in the historically registered Feraud Building where Phil the Barber” cut the hair of generations of Venturans…
Bilingual report: Teatro/MúsicaLatitudes to present Lara’s ‘Now and Forever’
Teatro de las Américas and MusicaLatitudes will present “Agustín Lara y nada más/ Agustin Lara, Now and Forever” by Miguel Heredia June 16 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The play tells of an insecure, depressed,…
¡Aventuras con Verduras! play to be held June 16 in Oxnard
¡Aventuras con Verduras!, a play on healthy eating choices, will be presented by Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer and Ventura County Public Health at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at Colonia Park, Memorial Veteran’s Gymnasium, 197 No. Marquita St., Oxnard.…
Commentary: A father’s blessings
By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor It began at the turn of 1900s. That’s when my parents were born in the foreboding village of Ahualulco, Jalisco. My jefitos were children of miserable poverty, suffocating Catholic resignation, a caste system that…
Santa Barbara Teen News Network seeking sponsors
sbTNN presents moving season finale episode honoring spirit of late founder, activist Patricia Henley. Nonprofit seeks sponsors to continue providing opportunities for local youth. SANTA BARBARA — The local teenage cast and crew of Santa Barbara Teen News Network (sbTNN)…
Santa Barbara’s Just Communities seeking sponsors for youth summer program
A total of 24 Santa Barbara students to will attend Community Leadership Institute (CLI) in Ojai GOLETA – Just Communities in Santa Barbara is seeking business/corporate or individual sponsors in Santa Barbara County to provide scholarships for students from four…
Health report: Six steps to staying mentally sharp and preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
By Kyle Scott / Wire report Alzheimer’s Disease is a horrible illness that effects millions of people each year. Essentially, Alzheimer’s Disease slowly ruins your memory and takes away the function of your brain until you are left unable to…
Orozco, North, Rondeau guide KCLU to four awards
NPR station honored for newswriting, bullying special THOUSAND OAKS — National Public Radio station KCLU is the winner of three awards from the Associated Press Television and Radio Association and one from the California Teachers Association for its news coverage.??…
Bilingual report: Protest to cuts in state childcare budget set for June 9 in Oxnard
The Latin America Child Care Provider Association, a nonprofit group of bilingual childcare providers, will provide information on cuts to the state’s childcare budget at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9 at Del Sol Park at the corner of Camino del…
Crowne Plaza’s Martinez receives top honor at Casa Pacifica Angels Wine & Food Festival
CAMARILLO — “Melt in your mouth” short ribs created by Luis Martinez, executive chef at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, wowed the judges over the past weekend and took top honors at the 2012 Casa Pacifica Angels Wine and Food…
Linda Garcia joins VCCF as programs and grants vice president
Brings 20 years of community-engagement experience to the foundation CAMARILLO — Linda Garcia has joined the staff of the Ventura County Community Foundation as vice president for Programs and Grants, the organization reported on Thursday. With more than 20 years of experience…
El Concilio profile: Gilbert A. Romero
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2012 Latino Leadership awards — “Excellence in Education.” The awards gala was held on June 1, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click here or call…
Commentary: The Cristero War and an Oxnard family connection
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor As a Latina and an American of Mexican descent, I often anticipate the release of films that highlight the history of Mexico or the Latino experience in the United States. That was the case with…
Bilingual report: Promotores, community health worker free disaster training in Spanish on June 7
A free disaster preparedness training workshop provided in Spanish for promotores and community health workers will be held on Wednesday, June 6, with a repeat session on Thursday, June 7 at Clinicas del Camino Real Inc., 200 So. Wells Road,…
Sidewalk CPR ‘Hands-Only’ program set for June 7 in Ventura County
The Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency is partnering with the American Heart Association to coordinate a county-wide CPR program from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 7. This service is free to the public and will be held in various…
Bilingual report: CEDC’s Neighborworks Week 2012 set for June 9 at Ventura College
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.’s NeighborWorks Week 2012, “Family Learning Institute: Building Family Power from Home to Community,” will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura. The event will focus…
Bilingual commentary: Catholics and Hatred
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor A news item published several days ago tells about two threatening letters sent to a Catholic church in Santa Cruz, California. A few weeks ago, someone had scribbled anti-Catholic graffiti on the walls of…
Oxnard youth invited to attend summer camps
OXNARD — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme has revamped its Summer Day Camp program to be more engaging, exciting, and positive for youth in the area, the organization reported recently in a media release.…
Bilingual report: Sponsors needed by June 15 for Young Writers Camp
Writer and educator Amada Irma Perez reports that the South Coast Writing Project is seeking individuals and organizations willing to help sponsor young people to take part in the 2012 Young Writers Camp from Monday through Friday, July 9-20. The…
Ventura County Housing Trust Fund to celebrate fund launch on June 6
The Ventura County Housing Trust Fund will celebrate the launch of its new Revolving Loan Fund during its “Building TRUST In Housing” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 at The Tower Club in Oxnard. The Ventura County Housing Trust Fund…
Bilingual report: KEYT’s Paula Lopez to be honored June 6
Paula Lopez, award-winning anchorwoman of KEY News in Santa Barbara, and poetry therapist Perle Longo will be honored when the Association for Women in Communications — Santa Barbara Chapter, presents its “2012 Women of Achievement Awards: From Breaking News to…
June edition of Amigos805 has hit the streets
The June print edition of Amigos805 is now available. Click on image above for a pdf of the edition. Click here for a list of locations where you can pick up a copy of the 10,000-copy edition. Thank you readers…
Bilingual report: Fighting police checkpoints while pressing for a dream
Activists use the latest technologies to help undocumented immigrant motorists and hope 2013 could bring ‘license for all’ By Cesar Arredondo / Amigos805 Francisco Romero doesn’t like police checkpoints. He believes that towing companies and municipalities unfairly profit from undocumented…
Bilingual report: Colleges fighting an uphill battle to stay relevant
Tight budgets and limits on new taxes make it a challenge to meet certification, graduation and transfer goals Editor’s note: Part of an occasional series of stories on the state of affairs in the California community college system. This story…