The Rio Mesa High School Folklórico Club is seeking donations to pay for costumes so the group can perform at the Rio Mesa Dance Show “Switch It Up,” on May 6, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The club has previously…
Sister City Committee holding fundraiser Feb. 16
The Oxnard-Ocotlán Sister City Committee is presenting a fundraiser to benefit visitation programs between the two cities from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe, 1601 So. Victoria Ave., Oxnard. Yolanda’s will donate 20 percent of…
Latino Links: Health Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com Maintaining a healthy heart and protecting yourself during the flu season are a couple of health trending reports released recently. In recognition of American Heart Month, Hispanicprwire.com recently released “Celebrating Healthy Hearts in the…
Latino Leadership Award profile: Elmelda P. Almanza
Editor’s note: Amigos805 will be presenting a regular profile of the winners of El Concilio Family Services’ 2011 Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented March 26 in Oxnard. The awards this year focus on educators who make a difference in the…
Teatro de las Américas presents Actors’ workshop in Spanish
Teatro de las Américas is presenting an Actors’ Workshop in Spanish for persons of all ages, no experience needed. Beginning Thursday, March 3, the workshop will meet from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Teatro de las Américas’…
Latino Links: Digital Media Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The power of Latinos on the Internet is being debated in couple of reports released recently. Latinos are less likely than whites to access the Internet, have a home broadband connection or own a…
Guest column: Putting out fires, or lighting up our world?
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist In his book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen Covey challenges his readers to consider using his “Time Management Matrix,” which consists of four quadrants. We can occupy our time performing tasks…
Limoneira president to speak Feb. 11 at CSU Channel Islands
Harold S. Edwards, president and CEO of the Limoneira Co., will be a featured speaker at California State University, Channel Islands on Friday, Feb. 11. Edwards is appearing as part of the spring speaker series presented by the Martin V.…
Valentine’s dance on Feb. 12 to benefit missionaries
Los Misioneros de Espiritu Santo present “Cena Baile de Gala 2011″ from 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Entertainment includes Animando Grupo “Los Teknicos.” Admission is $50. The event…
Mexican Consulate offering free Spanish-language textbooks
The government of México is presenting its “The 2011 Free Spanish Textbooks Program” to local educators and educational institutions, the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard reported this week. “This is a important tool for educators who are looking to improve their relationship…
CSUCI’s program seeks to make parks relevant to diverse youth community
California State University, Channel Islands working with National Parks Service in increase access Minority youth often have little history using parks for recreation and other outdoor activities. To reverse that trend, the National Parks Service Foundation is teaming up with…
Commentary: The ebb and flow of immigration to the U.S.
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The number of undocumented immigrants coming the U.S. remained virtually unchanged in 2010 (11.2 million) over the prior year, according to new estimates by the Pew Hispanic Center. While the report focused on the…
‘Come Together’ talk set for Feb. 8 at UCSB
The panel discussion “Come Together, Interethnic collaborations for equity and social change in the 1970s,” will be presented at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Lounge, Santa Barbara. This panel discussion is presented…
Garcia Boxing Academy receives van from Barber Ford
Photo courtesy of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy A custom van with a special van wrap mural was donated by Barber Ford in Ventura to the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy during a ceremony held Feb. 3 at the academy in…
Oxnard celebrates swearing in of new police chief
By Jess Gutierrez / Special to Amigos805 “It’s nice to say ‘chief,’ and it’s a female,” said Oxnard Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Irene Pinkard loudly during the recent swearing in of Oxnard’s new Police Chief Jeri Williams, the first…
Guest Column: Our thoughts, our money, our life
By David Magallanes / Guest columnist According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, lifestyle is defined as “A way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group.” A…
Commentary: Community advocate shared her strong spirit on a number of causes
Memorial service set for Feb. 5 for Avie Guerra By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 It was with much sadness that we learned this week of the passing of Marie Avelina Guerra. “Avie,” as we all knew her, was a strong…
FOOD Share launches ‘Tackle Hunger Super Bowl’ food drive
FOOD Share has launched its Tackle Hunger Super Bowl food drive, encouraging high school students, sports groups and the Associated Student Body to help collect 25,000 pounds of food from now through Feb. 28, Ventura County’s regional food bank reported…
Barber Ford donating custom van to Garcia Boxing on Feb. 3
A custom van with a special van wrap mural will be donated by Barber Ford in Ventura to the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard for transportation of the youth to boxing tournaments, Joe Chavez, Barber’s finance manager reported this…
ARTS Obispo presents monthly artwalk Feb. 4
ARTS Obispo will present its monthly first Friday “Arts After Dark” artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 in downtown San Luis Obispo. The event features an exhibit of established and emerging local artists in a record-breaking 32…
Arpex performs Feb. 4-6 in Santa Barbara
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! will present free concerts by Arpex, Conjunto de Arpa Grande de Michoacan, at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 at Isla Vista School; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Theater Royal in Guadalupe and 7…
Identity discussion set planned for Feb. 3 in Santa Barbara
The discussion “Let’s talk about identity! What makes you who you are” with Cristina González, will be presented at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Lounge, Santa Barbara. The facilitated conversation will focus…
Immigration talk set for Feb. 1 in Santa Barbara
The discussion”Arizona in Santa Barbara?,” will be presented at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Theater, Santa Barbara. This is a tense moment for immigrant rights, not only in Arizona but throughout the nation.…
‘Women Beyond Borders’ exhibit opens Jan. 31
“Women Beyond Borders: What’s a Box Got to Do With It? Reflections on the Body” will be on display Jan. 31 through March 14 at the John Spoor Broome Library at California State University, Channel Islands. A free public reception and guided tours will…
California Strawberry Festival awards scholarships
The non-profit California Strawberry Festival has awarded $6,000 in scholarships to deserving students throughout Ventura County, Sumiko Kato reported recently. Kato is a board member and scholarship chairman of the Dr. Kato Scholarship Award Committee. Giving back is a part of the…
Rio School District accepting applications
The Rio School District is accepting applications for open enrollment, intra-district transfers Feb. 1 through March 1, the district reported in a media release. Intra-district transfers are transfers requested by resident district students who wish to enroll at a school site other…
MICOP seeking volunteers Jan. 28 for monthly community meeting
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is seeking volunteers to help package foods and participate in children’s programs for this weekend’s monthly community meeting. Volunteers will meet at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 So. Gisler St.,…
Young Leaders Society holding mixer Jan. 27
The Young Leaders Society will hold its Post Holiday Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Carnegie Art Museum, 424 So. C St., Oxnard. Reservations are due by Jan. 25. For more information, contact Pedro A.…
Health forum set for Jan. 27 in Oxnard
A health forum on obesity and influenza will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Ventura County Public Health, 2240 E. Gonzales Road, Suite 200, Oxnard. The guest speaker is Dr. Miguel Cervantes, director of…
‘New Faces of America’ performance set for Jan. 26 at CSUCI
In recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the Center for Multicultural Engagement at California State University, Channel Islands will host the performance “New Faces of America” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 in Malibu Hall. The performance…
‘…Underdevelopment’ film screening Jan. 26 at UCSB
The film screening “Memories of Underdevelopment” will be presented at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 at at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Theater, Santa Barbara. Sergio, a wealthy bourgeois aspiring writer, decides to stay in Cuba even though…
An ‘Undertow’ on the road to the Oscars?
By Mariana Llamas-Cendon / Amigos805.com “The Milk of Sorrow” (La teta asustada) was Peru’s first-ever Oscar winner in 2010 under the Best Foreign Film category. Now “Contracorriente” (Undertow) could be following in the steps of “…Sorrow” in the run towards…
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. march photo gallery
Photos courtesy of Jess Gutierrez Photo slideshow by Mariana Llamas-Cendon / Amigos805 Hundreds of participants attended a march in Oxnard on Jan. 17 honoring the 25th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The march began at Oxnard’s historic…
Ventura Music Festival’s Student Jazz Competition photo gallery
Photos courtesy of the Ventura Music Festival Photo slideshow by Mariana Llamas-Cendon / Amigos805 Oxnard resident Rachel Flowers, 17, earned top honors at the Ventura Music Festival’s annual Student Jazz Competition held Jan. 16 at Ventura’s Laurel Theatre, the festival…
‘Internalized Racisim’ topic of Jan. 25 UCSB discussion
The discussion “Internalized Racism” with Jacquelyn Reza, part of the Race Matters Series, will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Lounge, Santa Barbara. All of us struggle with internalized racism and…
Artist Cantine holds fundraiser Jan. 22
The Artist Cantine Art Gallery and the Art Works Foundation will hold its first fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at 2000 Outlet Center Drive, Oxnard. The event includes Nasca, performing an eclectic blend of jazz at…
Seminar for small businesses starting Jan. 22 in Santa Barbara
“Seminarios para Negocios Pequeños — 2011” (Seminars for Small Businesses) will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12 at Santa Barbara City College, Wake Center Auditorium, 300 No. Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara. Topics include finanzas, impuestos, mercadotecnia, fl…
Frida Kahlo Theater in L.A. presents ‘Sentado’
“Sentado,” written and directed by Emanuel Loarca, will be presented 8 p.m. Fridays in Spanish with English subtitles; 8 p.m. Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays in Spanish, Jan. 21 through Feb. 6 at the Frida Kahlo Theater, 2332 W. Fourth…
CI Choral Association holding auditions
The Channel Islands Choral Association is currently holding auditions through end of January for the CSU Channel Islands (CI) Choir, a class held at California State University, Channel Islands, which is open to students, faculty and members of the community. The…
Commentary: Community deserves freedom to choose medical providers
In a very short time, thousands of residents in the County of Ventura will be enrolled in a new Medi-Cal managed care program called the Gold Coast Health Plan. Many patients will be assigned to a doctor not necessarily of…
La Angry Xicana?! coming Jan. 20 to UCSB
La Angry Xicana?! — Adelina Anthony, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20 at the UCSB Multicultural Center, in the MCC Theater, Santa Barbara. La Angry Xicana?!, directed by D’Lo, is a solo show performed by acclaimed multidisciplinary artist…
Oxnard resident wins Ventura Music Festival’s Student Jazz Competition
Oxnard resident Rachel Flowers, 17, earned top honors at the Ventura Music Festival’s annual Student Jazz Competition held Jan. 16 at Ventura’s Laurel Theatre, the festival reported in a media release. Flowers was awarded both the opportunity to play on stage with Cuban jazz…
Hundreds march in Oxnard in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
By Jess Gutierrez Hundreds marched from Oxnard’s Plaza Park to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Monday, Jan. 17 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Under sunny warm weather, families, individuals,…
Board of Supervisors make history with appointment
For the first time in about 100 years, a Latino citizen, John Zaragoza, was appointed vice chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. The appointment was made at the Jan. 11 Board of Supervisors meeting. Adolfo Camarillo, the only…
1,300 children celebrate Reyes Magos in Santa Barbara
Nearly 1,300 children were able to receive gifts thanks to donations made for “El Día de los Reyes Magos” celebration held Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Santa Barbara. The event was organized by…
Immigration, financial information forum set for Jan. 19
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard reported that an immigration and financial information forum will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19, 26 and Feb. 2 in Ventura County. An informational forum on immigration will be held Jan. 19…
CSU Channel Islands receives Carnegie Community Engagement award
CSU Channel Islands was recently selected as one of 115 institutions nationwide chosen by the Carnegie Foundation to receive its 2010 Community Engagement Classification, university officials reported this week in a media release. This is an elective classification which recognizes exemplary…
Student jazz finalists to compete Jan. 16 in Ventura
Five finalists of the Ventura Music Festival’s Student Jazz Competition will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16 at the Laurel Theater, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. The students are competing to win scholarships and the opportunity to perform with…
AIDS partnership seeks dancers
The Ventura County AIDS partnership is seeking dancers for the “Rhythms of Life: Dance for AIDS” celebration on May 21. More than 300 guests were entertained by a cast of 100 performers and volunteers last year during an event designed to…
Das Williams holding swearing-in dinner Jan. 16
The Das Williams campaign will hold a celebratory dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16 at Casa Lopez Mexican Restaurant & Banquet Hall, 325 So. A St., Oxnard. Sponsored by the Ventura County Firefighters, Williams said the swearing-in…
Amigos805 video calendar
El Concilio names award winners
Carmen Guerrero, Javier Gomez and Art Hernandez are among a group of educators selected as winners of El Concilio de Condado de Ventura’s 2011 Latino Leadership Awards to be presented March 26 in Oxnard The awards focus this year on…
Latinos gaining in political power nationwide
Key swing states seeing growth of Latino population By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Latino voters are playing a big role in states that gained congressional seats and Electorial College votes, according to a report released this week by the Pew…
Promotoras y Promotores holding Zumba health event Jan. 8
The Promotoras y Promotores Foundation is inviting the public to participate in its first Zumba Health event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at Casa del Mexicano, 218 So. 11th St., Santa Paula. The exercise event is…
Mexican Consulate organizing S.B. Reyes Magos celebration Jan. 8
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard and the Unity Shoppe Organization are among several groups organzing the annual Reyes Magos celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, 227 N. Nopal, Santa…
Mariachi Mujer 2000 performing Jan. 7-9 in S.B.
Mariachi Mujer 2000, composed of 11 musicians hand picked from three states and led by founder Marisa Ordoño and music director Laura Sobrino, comes to Santa Barbara Jan. 7-9. Mariachi Mujer 2000 was one of five bands representing the U.S.…
Commentary: Looking forward to a more prosperous year
Giving thanks for gift of friends, family By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 As we come to the end of 2010, we look back on a very challenging year for all of us. Many business owners and 805 residents kept…
Students have until Jan. 4 to apply for Ventura Music Festival’s Student Jazz Competition
Students are encouraged to mail or e-mail examples of their instrumental work by Jan. 4 to apply for the Ventura Music Festival’s fifth annual Student Jazz Competition, with the winner to perform on stage on with Latin jazz legend Arturo…
Commentary: Getting a Mexican passport, the painful and complicated way
By Mariana Llamas-Cendon / Amigos805 Thinking about going to Mexico for the Holidays? If you are a Mexican citizen, whether by naturalization or birth, I recommend you first check to see when your Mexican passport expires. Otherwise, based on my…
Sugar Beets holding New Year’s Eve celebration
Reservations are strongly suggested for the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Sugar Beets Restaurant, 255 So. A St., Oxnard, co-owner Lupe Ledesma reported recently. The event, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, features a plated dinner created by Chef…
Toy donations sought for S.B.’s Reyes Magos celebration
Donations of toys are being accepted for the Reyes Magos celebration that will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Santa Barbara, the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard reported…
De Colores holding closing reception Dec. 30
Andrea Vargas-Mendoza will be one of the guest artists attending the closing reception for the De Colores Art Exhibit from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30 at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 No. 10th St., Santa Paula. The…
Students, educators honored at Rio School District luncheon
Thirty-five 4th- through 8th-grade students were recognized as role models to their peers and adults at the Rio School District’s Inspirational Student Recognition Program Luncheon, the district reported in a media release. The students recognized at the luncheon include Victoria…
Grateful CSU Channel Islands alum returns to campus with a gift
CSU Channel Islands has received a special gift this holiday season when one of its oldest graduating students presented a check to benefit the university’s Chicana/o Studies program. When she was 80 years old, Antonia DiLiello graduated from CSU Channel…
FOOD Share holds holiday open house Dec. 21
FOOD Share will host a holiday open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 21 at 4156 Southbank Road, Oxnard. The open house is in support of the organization’s Tackle Hunger food campaign and a way to thank the community…
Oxnard College Fire Academy cadets attend graduation
Time to cool things off. Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy cadets, Battalion 34, had their Fall Semester graduation on Dec. 12 at the college’s Camarillo Airport Fire Technology facility. Battalion 34 graduated 35 cadets. Congratulating the cadets were members of…
Children benefit from Posada Book Drive
CSU Channel Islands professor Kathleen Contreras reads from her book, “Braids/Trencitas,” during the annual Posada Holiday Book Drive held Dec. 9, 2010 at Ruby’s Cafe in Oxnard. Books collected before and during the event will be donated to Mercy Ministries,…
Ventura Music Festival announces 2011 performers, artists
Artists and admirers gathered during the preview reception for the 2011 Ventura Music Festival held Dec. 8 at the Museum of Ventura County, Ventura. The event featured the introduction of the festival’s 17th season performers and artists by Nuvi Mehta,…
Mexican Consulate holding Posada celebration Dec. 16
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard is holding a Posada Navideña celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 at its offices, 3151 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. Piñatas will be available for the children and food for the family. Free.…
Teatro holding final performances Dec. 17-18 for ‘Christmas Tales…’
Teatro de las Américas and MusicaLatitudes present the final performances for “Christmas Tales and Chants” a Latin American Celebration for the entire family at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 17 and 18 at Heritage Square Hall, 731 So. A…
MICOP holding Fiesta Navidena Dec. 18 in Oxnard
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project will hold its annual “Fiesta Navidena” to benefit the Mixteco community from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 at Fremont Intermediate School, 1130 No. M St., Oxnard and Rio Real Elementary School, 1140 Kenny…
Grand dance to benefit Santa Barbara Promotores set for Dec. 17
A dance to benefit the Santa Barbara Promotores will be held from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17 at 601 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara. Donations are $15 for individuals and $25 per couple. For more information, call…
Jan. 3 is deadline for California Strawberry Festival poster contest
Entries are being accepted through Jan. 3 for the annual California Strawberry Festival poster contest, with the winner awarded $2,000, organizers reported this week. The poster will be used in marketing and advertising, as well as printed on collectible T-shirts…
Miguel del Aguila: not a prophet in his own land
By Mariana Llamas-Cendon / Amigos805.com Miguel del Aguila, a Ventura County resident since 1992, was recently nominated by the Latin Recording Academy, organizers of the Latin Grammy Awards, for his 2009 production named “Salon Buenos Aires.” The award was nominated under…
Familias elboran piñatas y comparten una tradición Mexicana
El Centrito Family Learning Centers y el Consulado de México en Oxnard, invitan a todas las familias del condado de Ventura a participar en el tercer anual “Taller de Piñatas” que se llevara acabo el Viernes 17 de Diciembre, de…
Families to create piñatas Dec. 17 at El Centrito
El Centrito Family Learning and the Mexican Consulate will conduct the third annual free “Piñata Making Workshop” for the entire family, from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 at El Centrito’s main campus, 450 So. “K” St. (Old Oxnard High School). Parents and…
University students organize holiday gift drive to benefit Casa Pacifica
Student Government at CSU Channel Islands has organized a holiday gift drive to benefit 430 children who are residents at Casa Pacifica in Camarillo. Casa Pacifica provides a home, school and treatment facility for abused, neglected and severely emotionally disturbed…
Hispanic Business Council holds Posada holiday book drive Dec. 9
The Gold Coast Annual Posada Holiday Book Drive will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9 at Ruby’s Cafe, 348 So. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard. The cost is $10 and a new children’s book. New books will be…
CSUCI’s Art Program presents “Student Art Sale Extravaganza!”
The CSU Channel Islands Art Program will present its sixth annual “Student Art Sale Extravaganza,” with a gala reception open to the public in the Napa Hall art studios on Thursday, Dec. 9. The three-day benefit art sale will feature student…
Teatro’s ‘Christmas Tales…’ set for Dec. 10 in Santa Paula
Teatro de las Américas and MusicaLatitudes present “Christmas Tales and Chants” a Latin American Celebration for the entire family at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 at Casa del Mexicano, 218 So. 11th St., Santa Paula, and 8 p.m. Friday and…
Rodney Fernandez retiring from Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.
Rodney Fernandez, executive director of Cabrillo Economic Development Corp., will be retiring at the end of 2011, the organization reported this week. “We sincerely appreciate the excellent leadership that Rodney has provided to CEDC since 1981,” Roy Jasso, president of…
Commentary: Time for Latino voters to get motivated
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Mid-term elections are usually pretty dull affairs compared to national presidential campaigns. Most voters tend to believe that it’s politics as usual, their vote will really not make a difference and they would rather…
Santa Paula Art Museum — FREE Teen Acting Workshop and February Fun!
In honor of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s tenth birthday, we’ve just installed a new exhibition featuring selections from the Museum’s permanent art collection. Since its genesis in 2010, the Museum’s collection has grown to include over 330 significant works…