VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named as the Director of the Agency’s Engineering Services Department (ESD). Cooper succeeds Herbert Schwind who served VCPWA for over 4 years and retired earlier this year. Cooper is…
Bank of America Grants $10,000 toward Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Programs
CENTRAL COAST — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announced it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Bank of America in support of their critical affordable housing developments and support programs for their residents in the Tri-Counties. The Bank of America…
The CLL Celebrates Three Years of Lifelong Learning
More than 350 classes and workshops with 70 brand-new classes to “Fall” in love with SANTA BARBARA — Going back to school isn’t just for kids this fall. Grown-ups can discover their passion at every age at the SBCC Center for…
Youth and Family Services YMCA Welcomes Valerie Kissell as New Executive Director
CENTRAL COAST — Youth and Family Services YMCA is proud to announce Valerie Kissell as its new Executive Director. Kissell is an accomplished Executive Director with over 20 years of executive leadership and partnership building in the nonprofit and public…
It’s Back to School Time with Santa Barbara Humane Society!
SANTA BARBARA — Just in time for back to school, nonprofit Santa Barbara Humane Society is bringing valuable learning experiences to children in elementary schools throughout Santa Barbara County through its Humane Education program. “Our classroom presentations align with our…
Ventura County Education Leaders Endorse Carla Castilla For 3rd District Supervisor
CAMARILLO – Dr. Mark Lisagor, current President of the Ventura County Board of Education; Christina (Tina) Urias, Santa Paula Unified School District Board Member; Bob Rust, Pleasant Valley School District Board Member, announced their support of Carla Castilla to succeed retiring…
Ventura County Young Democrats, Ventura County Democratic Party have endorsed Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios for Ventura City Council
VENTURA —Ventura County Young Democrats and the Ventura County Democratic Party have endorsed Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios for Ventura City Council. “Jeannette’s dedication to working families is unsurpassed by none,” said Shawn Terris, Chair of the Ventura County Democratic Party. “Her integrity…
Bilingual commentary: Bilingual Antipathy
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Alumna and National Scholar Andrea Delgado Takes ‘Strong, Smart, and Bold’ Experience Abroad
Harvard pre-med student gains first-hand healthcare experience in Latin America CARPINTERIA — Andrea Delgado of Carpinteria joined Girls Inc. of Carpinteria when she was just five years old, attending the nonprofit’s After-School Enrichment and Summer Camp programs. Now, the 21-year-old is entering…
Former U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis to Lead Ventura County Democratic Party Celebration on Sept. 18
VENTURA — Democratic activists in Ventura County will come together for their annual fundraising event on Sunday, September 18th at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Hilda Solis, the first Hispanic woman to be appointed to…
Santa Barbara Family YMCA Announces Craig Prentice as New Executive Director
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Family YMCA is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Prentice as its new Executive Director. Prentice joined the YMCA family straight out of college in 1993 as a Program Director at Cresenta-Canada Family…
Bilingual commentary: The Hatred Beneath the Surface
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
Lompoc Family YMCA’s 17th Annual “Kids for Character” Golf Tournament Successfully Raises Support for Local Youth and Families
LOMPOC — The Lompoc Family YMCA hosted its 17th Annual “Kids For Character” Golf Tournament, “The Ketrenia Klassic,” in memory of the late Ketrenia Hall on July 22 at the Village Country Club. This year’s tournament was a soaring success…
In a new paper, UCSB scholar says ancient hieroglyphic texts reveal Mayans made a major discovery in math, astronomy
By Jim Logan / UC Santa Barbara For more than 120 years the Venus Table of the Dresden Codex — an ancient Mayan book containing astronomical data — has been of great interest to scholars around the world. The accuracy…
Ventura County Will Be Rockin’ September 9th As Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen Opens The Doors At The Collection At RiverPark In Oxnard To The Ultimate Dining & Entertainment Experience
OXNARD — Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen will be opening their newest location at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on Friday, September 9th. Introducing the hottest dining and live entertainmentcopper.1 concept to Ventura County, Copper Blues is a…
2016 RISE Up Award Winners Announced
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – The RISE Up Awards recognize excellence in community service supporting RISE’s sexual assault and intimate partner violence programs; the 2016 RISE Up Award winners are District Attorney Investigator Donna Jones, RISE Friends Committee member Nancy…
NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County to Offer Family-to-Family Education Program for Families of Adults Living with Mental Illness
SANTA BARBARA — NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County, a program of the Mental Wellness Center, will offer its Family-to-Family Education Program for family members of adults living with mental health conditions. The free, 12-session course is designed to help all…
Back-To-School Essentials And Savings To Be Found At Centerpoint Mall
OXNARD — Centerpoint Mall offer back-to-school essentials and savings on top items at the more than 49 retail, specialty, entertainment and dining options ranging from apparel and shoes to supplies and electronics, among others. Centerpoint Mall is just the right…
MAC Set to Open New Location at The Collection at RiverPark
OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark announced today that internationally renowned cosmetic brand MAC would be joining the line-up of shopping options. MAC is known for its professional grade make-up, cult following and trendsetting collaborations. Originally created for professional makeup…
La Misa Negra to perform at UCSB on Sept. 19
SANTA BARBARA — La Misa Negra will from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 at the San Miguel Stage at the UCSB Multicultural Center. La Misa Negra is a 9-piece band from Oakland, California that plays a unique blend of…
A bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson to help disabled veterans who work in California Schools heads to the Governor
SACRAMENTO — A bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help disabled veterans who are transitioning from military service into a new career working in California’s public schools passed off the Assembly floor today on a bipartisan, 65-0 vote…
VCCDC Receives $35,000 From Wells Fargo To Help Women In Ventura County Achieve Homeownership & Financial Stability
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) was recently awarded a $35,000 grant by Wells Fargo to support its Mi Casa Mi Hogar (My House My Home) Program which is designed to assist a highly vulnerable population – women…
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson new parent leave bill heads to the governor
Legislation Would Provide Up to 2.7 Million More Parents With Job-Protected Leave SACRAMENTO – A California Legislative Women’s Caucus priority bill to provide job-protected new parent leave for up to 2.7 million more Californians has passed off the Senate floor and…
Elderly Couple Stores 50 Years of Memories in Donated PODS Container after Losing their Home
CENTRAL COAST — With 50 years of Hank and Helen Kawecki’s memories packed into boxes and stacked into their neighbor’s garage, friends of the couple knew that more room would be needed to help the couple store and move their…
United Way of Ventura County reports on Stuff the Bus program, 12th Annual Spirit Awards Gala honoring Hank Lacayo
President’s Message Dear Friends, Summer has been busy at United Way. Thanks to the generosity of donors contributing at 70 collection sites across Ventura County and the generous time of our volunteers, our Stuff the Bus program again exceeded our expectations.…
Oxnard Salsa Festival Announces Fundraising Totals and Winners of the 2016 ‘Dancing with our Community Stars Dance Contest & Charity Fundraiser’
OXNARD — The Oxnard Salsa Festival is pleased to announce the winners and the total amount of money raised for the 2016 ‘Dancing with our Community Stars Dance Contest & Charity Fundraiser’. This year’s competition included an All-Star line-up in celebration…
Teatro de las Américas reports Drama Department Returning to Oxnard College
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas reports that the Drama Department is returning to Oxnard College. We are happy to support the return to Oxnard College of the Drama Department. Sign up for the two courses: THTR R111 – Introduction to Theater…
Cal Lutheran receives $1.2M federal grant
TRIO programs will now reach county’s junior highs THOUSAND OAKS — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded California Lutheran University a $1.2 million grant to provide Ventura County’s only federal TRIO program serving middle school students. The Talent Search…
Kids Have a Blast at Page Youth Center’s Summer Fun Extravaganza
SANTA BARBARA — Page Youth Center (PYC) recently welcomed the community to their Summer Fun Extravaganza event. Kids of all ages enjoyed a day of craft making, face painting, jump houses, food and live music along with a visit from…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing and Duncan Group Welcomes, Bids Farewell to Board Members
SANTA BARBARA — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) and its affiliate nonprofit property management agent, The Duncan Group (TDG), would like to thank retiring board member B. Ray Gateley, as well as welcome newly elected members Paula Johnson and Menka Sethi.…
St. Francis Foundation Awards $940,000 in Grants for Community Health to 18 South Coast Nonprofits
SANTA BARBARA — St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara has awarded its 2016 grants totalling $940,000 to 18 community nonprofits that provide healthcare, senior services or end of life care to those most in need throughout Santa Barbara’s South Coast.…
Bilingual commentary: Careers and Jobs in a technical world
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. David Magallanes is on vacation.…
A Condition of the Heart May be Cure for Foster Parenting Myths
SANTA BARBARA — “Santa Barbara suffers from a serious shortage of resource families to care for the county’s 425 children in need of a loving home, and a number of untrue but persistent myths about foster care may be responsible for…
Last weekend: Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Esperanza Rising’ Sept. 30 through Oct. 2
WHAT: “Esperanza Rising” WHO: Teatro de las Américas and Oxnard College present a play written by Lynne Alvarez based on the book by Pam Ryan Muñoz. Music by Victor Zupanc. Directed by Miguel Heredia. WHEN: Fridays and Saturdays, September 16, 23, 24, 30,…
‘Go Bananas’ at the 5th Annual Banana Festival at the Port of Hueneme on Sept. 24
PORT HUENEME — It’s time to ‘Go Bananas’ once again when the 5th Annual Banana Festival at the Port takes place on Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District, 105…
Coffee Session with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin on Sept. 17 in Oxnard
OXNARD — Join Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin for coffee and take an opportunity to discuss legislation and local issues from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at Tomas Café & Gallery, 622 S. A St., Oxnard. RSVP by calling 805-483-4488.
‘Life Force,” an exhibit of the artwork of Hiroko Yoshimoto & Bob Privitt to be held through Sept. 24 at Studio Channel Islands
CAMARILLO — September begins the new art season and the Blackboard Gallery located at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo is opening with a phenomenal new exhibition called “Life Force”. Artists Hiroko Yoshimoto & Bob Privitt are world renowned artists, each bring…
National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 27
VENTURA COUNTY — On Tuesday, September 27, 2016 the Ventura County Elections Division along with the rest of the country will be celebrating Nation Voter Registration Day! This is a great opportunity for those who have yet to register to vote…
4th Annual ‘Evening in Bloom’ Gala to Honor Betty Brown to be held Sept. 24
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will host its largest annual fundraiser “An Evening in Bloom,” a glamorous evening of dinner, dancing and beautiful orchids, on Saturday, September 24 from 5:30pm-10pm at Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria. The elegant annual affair…
United Way of Santa Barbara County Hosts 25th Annual Day of Caring on Sept. 17
SANTA BARBARA —United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) will hold its 25th Annual Day of Caring from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Throughout the day, more than 1,400 participants of all ages will volunteer at a…
After rescuing animals in Japan for the past 5 years, Nyander Guard Comes to Ventura County Animal Services, Camarillo to share their story Sept. 20
CAMARILLO — After dedicating the last five years of his life to rescuing animals in Japan, Nyander Guard Animal Rescue founder, Akira Honda (Taicho) comes to Ventura County to share his story Sept. 17-20 at the Ventura County Animal Services,…
Anchors Away! Cabrillo’s San Salvador makes its Maiden Voyage to Oxnard through Sept. 18
OXNARD — Join in the celebration and step back in time as the remarkable full-scale replica of San Salvador – the first European vessel to explore California’s coast – makes her maiden voyage and first stop at the Channel Islands…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Job Center has new location as of Sept. 26
OXNARD — On Monday, Sept. 26, a Ventura County Human Services Agency office designated as an America’s Job Center of California will begin to serve job seekers and employers at its new location, 2901 N. Ventura Road in Oxnard near The…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Members Visit Washington D.C.
CARPINTERIA — Ten local girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria recently returned from an inspiring trip to Washington D.C. as part of the organization’s Eureka! program, a five-year, college-bound program that aims to break gender stereotypes and encourages girls to…
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! announces Cimarrón: Music from the plains of Colombia performance from through Sept. 18
SANTA BARBARA — From the plains of the Orinoco River which runs between Venezuela and Colombia, Cimarrón perform the festive dance music of joropo, a fiercely virtuoso display of rippling melodies and powerful rhythms combining Andalusian, indigenous American, and African roots.…
Changes and Challenges: An Inside Look at the LA Rams Move -LA Rams Director discusses move and challenges at September PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Meeting on Sept. 28
THOUSAND OAKS — It’s been over 20 years, but the Rams are back in Los Angeles again and practicing at California Lutheran University. Artis Twyman, senior director of communications for the Rams, shares his story of changes and challenges with…
CSU Channel Islands to host San Francisco Mime Troupe actors as they take an irreverent look at 2016 politics on Sept. 29
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) Performing Arts students and two members of the award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe will conduct an interactive lecture/performance satirizing the politics of 2016 along with political shenanigans from years past. The public is welcome to…
August lineup for Channel Islands Harbor’s Concerts by the Sea – Free summer concert series held at Peninsula Park
OXNARD — Channel Islands Harbor continues its Concerts by the Sea each Saturday of the summer through Aug. 27. The free summer concert series is held from 4-6 p.m. at Peninsula Park, 3401 Peninsula Road, Oxnard at Channel Islands Harbor,…
EDD to present ‘State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar’ on Aug. 23
SIMI VALLEY — The EDC-VC and EDD will present “Get it Right from the Start — State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at the Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon…
Sept. 30 Registration Deadline for High Schoolers Interested in Santa Barbara Family YMCA Youth & Government Program
SANTA BARBARA – High school students interested in a six-month hands-on experience in democracy are encouraged to apply to the Santa Barbara Family YMCA’s Youth and Government program. Registration closes on September 30. Participants experience first-hand how state government works;…