Latino Leaders, Band to Receive Honors

El Concilio del Condado de Ventura will honor four Ventura County Latino leaders and a Latino band for outstanding contribution in the areas of cultural arts, business, youth, education and community services.

The honorees, selected by the Oxnard-based Latino advocacy group from among 30 nominations, are Gabino Aguirre of Santa Paula, Mary L. Barreto of Oxnard, Rodney E. Fernandez of Santa Paula, Jesus (Chuy) Reyes Rangel of Fillmore, and an Oxnard-based musical group called the Conjunto Hueyapan.

Aguirre, 46, principal of Moorpark Community School, was chosen for his community work with youths in Our Town, an organization that helps youths develop a positive image of themselves and improve their lives in the community, El Concilio officials said.

Barreto, 58, a licensed counselor who serves on the board of trustees for the Oxnard School District, was selected for her outstanding work in education, officials said.

Fernandez, 48, executive director of the Cabrillo Economic Development Corp., was chosen for his contribution in business. He has played a pivotal role in creating affordable housing for several hundred farm workers in Ventura County, officials said.

Rangel, 22, an activist and art student at Moorpark College who is considered a role model for youths, was selected for his volunteer work teaching art to “at-risk” youths and for being a leader in several youth organizations.

To celebrate Latino cultural arts, the Conjunto Hueyapan, which performs Mexican folk music, was chosen for promoting Latino culture. The group has played all over the world, including at the Inaugural Gala for President Ronald Reagan in Washington, and in the International Harp Festival in Paris.

The recipients will receive the awards at a dinner Jan. 28 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ventura. Residents interested in attending the dinner should call 983-2336 for reservations. The cost is $35 per person.