Enrollment For YMCA Winter Swim Lessons in Westlake Village Now Open

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Enrollment for winter swim lessons is open for classes at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village and Simi Valley Family YMCA. Group lessons are from January 16 through February 26. Private lessons are also available.

Weekly swim classes have a maximum ratio of one teacher per five swimmers. Swimmers are assigned classes based on their age and swimming ability. Age groups are three to five years, five to seven years and eight to 12 years. Parent/child classes are for children from six months of age to three years old. Swim diapers are required for infants and toddlers. Parents can select from class times and days on Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays.

Tamara Skov and Shannon Dalton new owners of Quinn Fiduciary Services

SANTA BARBARA — Quinn Fiduciary Services, a local professional fiduciary firm, has been purchased by Tamara Skov and Shannon Dalton.

Jackie Quinn, the founder of Quinn Fiduciary Services (QFS), remains involved with the firm to ensure a seamless transition over the next several months. Skov and Dalton, both licensed professional fiduciaries, have been with QFS for several years and the rest of the team will remain the same.

Quinn Fiduciary Services specializes in estate management serving as Trustees, Successor Trustees, Conservators, and Agents under financial and healthcare Powers of Attorney.

Bilingual report — 12 Cadets graduate from Hancock’s Core Custody Academy

SANTA MARIA — Twelve cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy on Dec. 29 during a ceremony at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.  

All 12 graduates of CORE Academy Class #15 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students mentally, morally, emotionally, and physically to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid, and emergency vehicle operations.  

Local Grassroots Organization Endorses Slate of Candidates Committed to Immigrant Worker Power, Environmental and Housing Justice for California’s Central Coast

Editor’s note: * Shooting Star Communications LLC, the parent company of www.Amigos805.com, does not endorse candidates running for political office. We reserve the right to refuse any political advertisement.

“Every election cycle we witness huge sums of money drop into our communities to sway races in support of candidates that represent powerful interests’ runaway profits instead of peoples’ lives – and this year is no different. CAUSE Action’s people power will continue to defend our communities from the special interest money flooding into our communities,” said Hazel Davalos, Co-Executive Director of CAUSE Action. “We have laid the foundation for us to have one-on-one conversations with thousands of voters. And CAUSE Action will work from now until election day to educate and mobilize voters to support candidates committed to environmental and housing justice, and building immigrant worker power.” 

Port of Hueneme Ends Year with Big Splash in the Community!

PORT HUENEME — For the past two weekends, the Port of Hueneme alongside local collaborative groups such as; Ser Humano partnered with Nyeland Promise and the Southwinds Community Council to co-host their first annual community posadas. The posada, which is a traditional holiday celebration rooted in Latin American culture, is unique in that it brought toys for local youth and food for families. With music performed by the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center during the posada, Port of Hueneme, Ser Humano, and Nyeland Promise and Southwinds Council volunteers supplied nearly 1,000 families with food and toys for the holiday season. Nyeland Acres and South Oxnard families took home toys for their little ones alongside bundles of food that included rice, beans, lettuce, tortillas, bananas, Masa for tamales, and corn husks too!

Bilingual report — Morgan Kessler Joins Oxnard as New City Engineer

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard announces the appointment of Morgan Kessler as the new City Engineer with the Public Works Department effective December 18, 2023. 

Kessler brings substantial experience spanning over 20 years overseeing large-scale civil engineering and construction management at the federal and city levels.

Cottage Health Welcomes 2024 New Year’s Baby

SANTA BARBARA – Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year.

Alyssa and Seng Yang of Lompoc welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Eric Yang, into the world at 3:48 am on Monday, January 1, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Weighing 5 pounds and 15 ounces and measuring 19 inches, Baby Yang is already captivating hearts with his arrival.

Baby Yang’s arrival marks not just the start of a new year but the beginning of a new chapter in the Yang family’s lives.

Celebrate your business during Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2024) is here and this is the perfect time to celebrate your business.

You can reach a Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo audience that this year reported more than 900,000 hits, nearly 145,000 visits and nearly 50,000 unique visitors through Aug.15, 2024.

Contact Frank at frank@amigos805.com for more information.

Feb. 10 — Chicana/o Studies at CSUCI celebrates ‘Nuestra Quinceañera’

CAMARILLO — Chicana/o Studies at CSUCI celebrates “Nuestra Quinceañera” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Grand Salon at CSU Channel Islands.

Join us to mark our 15th year milestone! You are cordially invited to Nuestra Quinceañera: 15 Years of Chicana/o Studies at CSU Channel Islands. This fundraising dinner and celebration will honor the impact of Chicana/o Studies at CI and beyond.

Feb. 11 — Bilingual report — United Parents will present the fundraising event AMOR Y ALEGRÍA FOLKLÓRICA ‘De la mano con nuestras familias’ in Oxnard

OXNARD — United Parents will present the fundraising event AMOR Y ALEGRÍA FOLKLÓRICA “De la mano con nuestras familias” (hand in hand with our families) from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

The free event will feature live music, dance, food and drink vendors, children activities, silent auction and a raffle.

Feb. 22 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Separating Myths From Realities Challenges Undocumented Immigrants Face and Their Economic Impact on California’

Thursday, February 22  |   8:00 AM (PT)   |   Lundring Events Center

Join, explore, and participate in discussions on the social and economic challenges faced by undocumented families in California and their irreplaceable value for the entire state, organized by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. Register now!

March 3 — Museum of Ventura County to present ‘Strong and Resilient Women of Rancho Guadalasca’

Join us for a captivating book talk on “Rancho Guadalasca: Last Ranch of California’s Central Coast” by Colleen M. Delaney. As a professor of anthropological archaeology at California State University-Channel Islands, Delaney skillfully unravels the untold stories of the resilient women who shaped this historical ranch.

In this event, we’ll explore the rich cultural tapestry of Rancho Guadalasca through archaeological discoveries, historical records, and captivating oral histories. Delaney’s expertise and engaging storytelling bring to life the challenges and triumphs of the women who left an indelible mark on this last ranch of California’s central coast.

April 11 — Reconnect with Nature and Indigenous Culture at the 2024 Diversity in Culture Festival at Ventura College

VENTURA — Ventura College is delighted to announce the 2024 Diversity in Culture Festival April 10-11. This year’s theme is returning to our roots with nature and highlighting Indigenous Culture worldwide. Ventura College invites everyone to rediscover the profound connections between nature, indigenous wisdom, and our identities.

April 19 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Antonio Sánchez Birdman Live 10th Anniversary at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Antonio Sánchez Birdman Live on Friday, April 19 at 8 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. After the success of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman, which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture, drummer/composer Antonio Sánchez performed his dramatic Grammy Award-winning score live around the world.

April 20 — Bilingual report — CSU Channel Islands to present Children’s Day/Día de los Niños

This free event is for all families, guardians, children, educators, and community members to join us for a day of activities, games, reading. Our special guest is children’s book author James Luna. James will be reading his The Runaway Piggy/El Cochinito Fugitivo book. The first 150 guests will receive a free copy of the book as well!

May 15 — Luis A. Miranda Jr., father of ‘Hamilton’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, will sign his latest book ‘Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit that is Transforming America’ at Barnes & Noble in Ventura

The book is essential reading from an expert voice: Luis A. Miranda Jr.’s personal and political memoir reveals a deep understanding of Latino culture and how to build community to change our world for the better.

A veteran of New York and national politics, Luis Miranda embodies the relentless spirit of progress of American immigrants.

May 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures to present ‘Xochitl Gonzalez — Latinx Voices Are American Voices’ at Campbell Hall

Pulitzer Prize finalist, cultural critic, producer and screenwriter Xochitl Gonzalez is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Brooklyn, Everywhere, about class, gentrification and the American Dream. Her debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, was named a Best of 2022 by The New York Times, Timemagazine, The Washington Post and NPR. Her highly-anticipated new book, Anita de Monte Laughs Last, was released in March 2024.

May 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Planning Division and Cultural Heritage Board to host Preservation Awards Ceremony

VENTURA — In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the Ventura County Planning Division, in collaboration with the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, is proud to host a Preservation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28th at 1:15 pm. The event will take place at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice in the Pacific Conference Room, located adjacent to the cafeteria.

July 20 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to present ‘Sangre de Nopal’

You are invited to the opening celebration of the exhibition Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Tanya Aguiñiga & Porfirio Gutiérrez en Conversación/In Conversation. New commissions and existing work from fiber artists Tanya Aguiñiga and Porfirio Gutiérrez will be featured alongside Oaxacan textiles from the Fowler collection.

In the spirit of Guelaguetza, the Zapotec word for offering or reciprocity, the evening celebration will include an Indigenous welcome, live performance by Filarmónica Maqueos Music, and exhibition preview.

Sept. 14 — Bilingual report — Santa Paula Fiesta de Mariachi

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is happy to announce the much-anticipated return of the 11th Annual Mariachi Dinner, a captivating evening of cultural celebration, live music, and dining. Hosted by the City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department, this event promises a memorable experience for all attendees, young and old.

The 11th Annual Mariachi Dinner is an opportunity for the community to come together and revel in the joy of shared moments. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Mariachi Quinto Sol, an exceptional Mariachi band, while savoring delicious traditional cuisine.

Through Sept. 27 — Bilingual report — Mexican Consulate in Oxnard/Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) presenting ‘LUCHA LIBRE SIEMPRE: The Photography of Bob DeBris — a Celebration of Mexican Wrestling’

OXNARD — In coordination with The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is pleased to announce its next visual arts exhibition, LUCHA LIBRE SIEMPRE, curated by Rafael Perea de la Cabada. This solo exhibition features work shot in the early 90’s, and continues to the present day, photographed throughout Southern California by photographer Bob DeBris. The show includes images of some of the greatest Mexican wrestling icons of the 1980’s and 90’s. The work also includes profiles of the new crop of luchadores both male and female in the Lucha Libre scene.

Oct. 9 — Allan Hancock College hosts Chicano art exhibit, free community arts event

“Nuestra Vida en Arte” is a remarkable collection curated by renowned collector Tomas Sánchez and highlights the pivotal role of Chicano art in shaping both cultural identity and popular culture. The collection features work from several iconic artists who have been a quintessential part of the Chicano art movement including Frank Romero, Diane Gamboa, Roberto “Tito” Delgado, and more. 

Oct. 12 — Bilingual report — Latinx Voters Forum to be held at Santa Barbara City College

SANTA BARBARA — Stop by Santa Barbara City College and join us for an important discussion on upcoming issues in the November ballot affecting the Latinx community. Santa Barbara City Council members and candidates will be on hand to answer questions and share their perspectives on key issues. This non-partisan, informational forum will feature a moderated panel discussion. Spanish translation services will be provided. Stay after the forum to enjoy lunch and connect with your community! This event is sponsored by the Latinx Mental Health Students at Antioch University Santa Barbara and Antioch Works for Democracy.