By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While in theory the idea of a smaller, more financially accountable government sounds like a good thing, often those government cutbacks adversely affect those most in need — the poor, the disabled, the un-…
Bilingual commentary: Pacifism and war
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 It…
Local news briefs
SANTA BARBARA — The United Way of Santa Barbara County is seeking volunteers for its 23rd annual Day of Caring to be held Saturday, Sept. 20, the organization reported in a media release. Throughout the day volunteers will help more…
Business: Start a recession-resistant business
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The latest statistics from the Small Business Administration indicate that two-thirds of new businesses survive two years, while about 45 percent survive four years. Such odds inspire curiosity as to how entrepreneurs have the gumption…
Local business news
> The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County has announced a free listing in 805CONNECT. 805connect is a comprehensive database created to provide an official directory and networking platform to connect all businesses in the 805 area code. More than a simple…
Health: Learn to recognize potential cancer symptoms
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event. Those diagnosed with cancer typically wonder how the disease will impact their future, including their ability to work and how the disease may impact their family’s security. Men…
Local health information
> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of September in various locations in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-09 to find times, dates and locations of upcoming…
Mercedes Fernandez-Oromendia, Avery Voos awarded 2013-14 Hosford Awards for Excellence in Professional Behavior at UCSB
SANTA BARBARA — Mercedes Fernandez-Oromendia and Avery Voos, graduate students at the Gevirtz School at UC Santa Barbara, have been awarded 2013-14 Ray E. Hosford Awards for Excellence in Professional Behavior, the university reported in a media release. These awards…
Bilingual commentary: Perception and judgment
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 Perceptions,…
Office of Ventura County Supervisor Zaragoza recruiting for El Rio resident advisory council
VENTURA COUNTY — The Office of Ventura County Supervisor Zaragoza is accepting applications to serve as an alternate member on the El Rio Del Norte Municipal Advisory Council, also known informally as the El Rio MAC, Zaragoza’s office reported in…
Guest commentary: Vampires at the border
Keeping the lower 50 percent in their place 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…
Oxnard College to present ‘The Latino Thought Maker Series’ program on Aug. 27 featuring Carlos Portugal, creator of the HULU original series ‘East Los High’
OXNARD COLLEGE — Oxnard College will present “The Latino Thought Maker Series” free program featuring Carlos Portugal, creator of the HULU original series “East Los High” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Auditorium,…
Supervisor Zaragoza to attend Gov. Brown’s luncheon Aug. 25 to honor Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto
SACRAMENTO — Ventura County Supervisor John C. Zaragoza will be traveling to Sacramento to attend a luncheon on Aug. 25 hosted by Gov. Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Brown in honor of the President of the United Mexican States,…
Guest commentary: Oxnard Latino community faces epidemic / pandemic health problem
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor The internationally…
Bilingual commentary: Created vs. Reactive Life
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 Sometimes…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas to present ‘La infamia / Infamy’ from Aug. 22 through Sept. 6 at Oxnard College
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas present “La infamia / Infamy,” a tragedy in one act, from Aug. 22 through Sept. 6 at the Black Box Theatre in the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard “La infamia…
Canceled: Café on A to hold ‘Painting Party’ on Aug. 23, 24 in downtown Oxnard
OXNARD — The Cafe on A, at 438 So. A St., downtown Oxnard, has been the gateway for many community programs / events for more than 15 years and is proud to serve the most at-risk youth and marginalized community. But…
2014 Fiestas Patrias celebration opens with ‘Certamen Señorita Fiestas Patrias Traje Tipico’ (traditional dress) competition on Aug. 24 in Oxnard
OXNARD — The 2014 Fiestas Patrias celebration opens with ‘Certamen Señorita Fiestas Patrias Traje Tipico” (traditional dress) competition at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 at Pacifica High School, 600 E. Gonzalez Road, Oxnard, the Comité Cultural Mexicano and Lazer Broadcasting reported in…
Guest commentary: The Chicana/o legacy
Gaining traction but still No. 9 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…
Ventura Harley-Davidson will match every dollar donated until Friday to El Centrito STEAM Fundraising Challenge
By El Centrito Family Learning Centers OXNARD — Ventura Harley-Davidson gave El Centrito and our families a second chance to meet the $5,000 goal for our 5 Days to Raise campaign. When Ventura Harley-Davidson heard that our final fundraising total fell…
Bilingual commentary: Early childhood education is critical for state’s long-term success
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Das Williams / Guest…
Bilingual report: Family Health Fair to be presented Aug. 16 in Santa Paula
SANTA PAULA — A free “Family Health Fair,” hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Boys and Girls Club, in partnership with Assemblymember Das Williams, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Santa Clara…
Bilingual commentary: The shock of realization
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 In…
Guest commentary: Why menudo is white?
Francisco R. Almada — Search for knowledge 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…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. to celebrate National Health Center Week — Aug. 10-15
VENTURA COUNTY — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will host events in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW), the organization reported in a media release. These events are part of National Campaign which celebrates the record of success demonstrated…
Bilingual commentary: The Good Sin
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 Sometimes,…
Guest commentary: Sometimes you cannot stay quiet
The border and the Middle East 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…
Ventura County Adult Education Consortium to hold series of town hall meetings on adult education Aug. 7, 11 and 12
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Adult Education Consortium invites Ventura County adult education providers and partners to a series of town hall meetings on Aug. 5 (Oxnard College), 6 (Ventura Adult and Continuing Education), 7 (Moorpark College), 11 Ventura College…
Ventura County Fair features concert by Tony Orlando on Aug. 5
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Fair will present Tony Orlando in concert at the Grandstand Arena 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the Grandstand Arena. All concerts are free with fair admission. Visit http://www.venturacountyfair.org/fair/ for admission prices.
Rep. Capps to host Santa Maria forum on DACA on Aug. 9
SANTA MARIA — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) will host a forum where people can receive an update and review from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials on their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal application and information on…
We need your advertising support, donations to sustain, grow Amigos805
Aug. 1, 2014 Dear community supporters of Amigos805, It’s hard to believe that we are already past the midpoint of 2014. Where has the year gone? Soon, we will begin celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of events from…
August cover story: MICOP provides valuable support to growing Mixteco community
‘Night in Oaxaca’ fundraiser on Aug. 9, Backpack Drive ending Aug. 10 help fill needs in the community By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Just suppose you were dropped into a country where you couldn’t speak the language, couldn’t read the…
‘Night in Oaxaca’ to be held Aug. 9 in Oxnard
OXNARD — The Mixecto / Indigena Community Organizing Project will present its fourth annual “Night in Oaxaca” fundraising, awards and cultural celebration beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. “Join…
Commentary: Time to start planning for 2014-15 scholarship season
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Yes, it’s time for my annual plea. Back-to-school time should not only be the season where parents rush to local department stores and stand in long lines to buy school supplies for their children.…
Local news briefs
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI) hosted its second Migrant Summer Leadership Institute (MSLI) for migrant high school students and their parents from July 11-26, university officials reported in a media release. The institute, funded through a grant from the…
Business: Switch jobs with grace, decorum
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Women leave jobs for various reasons. Some women cite disparities in pay, an inability to advance through the company or incompatibility with a particular place of business as their reasons for seeking new employment, while…
Local business information
> The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County has launched an enhanced website to ensure that business leaders can easily and efficiently access the latest information to help their companies grow, the organization reported in a media release. The site, www.edc-vc.com, has…
Health: Power of a positive attitude
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) A balanced diet, exercise, genetics, and even certain medications can work in concert to make a person healthy. But a person’s demeanor also can factor into personal health. The Mayo Clinic says that whether or…
Local health information
> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of August in various locations in Ventura County. Visit the organization’s online calendar at http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2014-08 to find times,…
Assemblymember Das Williams encourages designated drivers for Old Spanish Days Fiesta festivities
SANTA BARBRA — Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Carpinteria) encourages all those that will participate in this week’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta to make the responsible decision to not drink and drive, Williams reported Thursday in a media release. “Injuries and deaths…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announces three new board members
Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare join board of directors. Clyde Freeman named board president CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold announced the appointment of Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare…
Bilingual commentary: Sunshine: Friend or foe?
Editor’s note: David Magallanes is on vacation this week. This is a reprint from last year about an important topic: protecting ourselves from sunshine. Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas — We have moved to Oxnard College
OXNARD — A few months ago Dr. Richard Durán, president of Oxnard College, invited us to make Teatro de las Américas a part of the “Oxnard College Institute for the Latino Performing Arts (OCILPA).” This invitation came like manna from…
Guest commentary: A scholar — Ruminations
¡Qué catedrático ni qué demonios! no eres más que un maestro! 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…
Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara to be held July 30 through Aug. 3
SANTA BARBARA — Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara to be held in downtown Santa Barbara from July 30 through Aug. 3. The event includes Courthouse tours, Santa Barbara Mission docent tours, El Mercado de la Guerra, El Mercado Del Norte,…
California LULAC applauds Gov. Brown for nominating Mariano-Florentino Cuellar to serve on California Supreme Court
Confirmation would add only Latino serving on the California Supreme Court in a state with the largest ethnic group being Latino CAMARILLO – The California State Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens – LULAC, applauds the Governor…
Guest commentary: A citizen’s view of a demonstration — More than 25
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 Frank P. Barajas / Guest contributor…
Bilingual commentary: Learning to swim
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes / Guest contributor This…
Guest commentary: ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign ends Wednesday, July 23
By the United Way of Ventura County VENTURA COUNTY — Beep! Beep! We’re nearing the finish line and United Way of Ventura County is counting on your support for the fifth annual Stuff the Bus campaign! Please donate NEW school supplies between now and Wednesday, July 23. Look…
Guest commentary: How do we fight back? Turning the other cheek? Take a Toke?
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Rodolfo F. Acuña / Guest contributor We…