KFCF Community Calendar: Updated 11/22/25
To post an event on our calendar e-mail the information to
calendar@kfcf.org, at least 2 weeks before the event.
DAILY CALENDAR
(Multiple Day and Ongoing Events are at end of posting)
Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd
The 1st Annual Central Valley Holiday Gem & Mineral Show, sponsored by the Fresno Gem & Mineral Society, presents a great show for viewing and learning about the world of rocks and minerals! Beautiful handmade jewelry, stone carvings, precious gems, art, etc. will be available to complete your Holiday Shopping. This event is educational and fun for all ages! There will be Geode cutting and More! It takes place at the Elk’s Lodge at 5351 N. Diana St. in Fresno, Saturday, November 22nd from 10am - 5pm and Sunday, November 23rd from 10am - 4pm. Admittance is $5.00 for ages 12 & up, and includes both days with a wristband. Parking is free. For more information, go to https://www.fgms.rocks.
Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th
If you’re looking for hand-crafted locally produced holiday gift ideas, you’re invited to the Annual Sweet Home Ranch Holiday Art and Craft Sale at Paul & Ruth Buxman’s home at 4399 Ave. 400 in Dinuba. This visual and culinary delight features Paul Buxman original oil paintings lithographs and art cards, Annie’s original River City Fused Glass jewelry, chimes and other glass art, a Beautiful Life Farm’s natural fragrant soaps, Kern Family Farm’s herbal tinctures, salves, hydrosols and teas, Dan Deibert’s wood art, and much more. There will also be wonderful homemade local artisan food products, free refreshments, and fair trade coffee and tea. The event is from 9-5 on Friday and 9-4 on Saturday. For more information go to https://www.tularecountytreasures.org/sweet-home-ranch-v.html or call 559-260-1958.
Thursday, December 4th
Fresno Pacific University invites you to its “Winter Celebration Concert,” an evening of joyful music and festive spirit, featuring performances by the FPU Concert Choir, the Community Flute Choir of Fresno, and the San Joaquin Valley Community Band. The concert is from 7-8 p.m. in the Warkentine Culture and Arts Center, Elizabeth V. Lyles Theater on the main FPU Campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno.
Saturday, December 6th
The Community Alliance newspaper’s annual fundraiser, “Print Media Matters, Keep It Alive,” takes place from 5-8 p.m. at Fresno City College Old Administration Building 251. Share a meal and hear speakers including Gregory Weaver, Reporter for Fresnoland, on the effects of sprawl, Joaquin Alvarado, foundor of Studiotobe “Independent Media,” and Drs. Farah Karipineni and Mohammed Shaikh on “Palestine & Mutual Aid.” Local media supports a healthy democracy, an informed community and a more just and equitable society. Ensure that everyone has access to the information they need to make informed decisions, participate in their communities and hold those in power accountable. Tickets for this event are $55 in advance or $70 at the door ($25 for students), and can be purchased at bit.ly/4q73mlf, or scan this QR code:
Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th
The Fresno City and County Historical Society invite you to a Santa “Meet & Greet” at Kearney Mansion. On December 6th and 7th from 10am to 3pm Santa will be visiting Kearney Mansion this Holiday Season for a very special weekend of activities full of fun and cheer for the whole family. Tickets are $10 for all guests four-years-old and over and include entry to the Meet & Greet, hot cocoa, cookies, crafts, a self-guided Mansion tour and access to the Christmas Market. Tickets can be purchased on-line at https://www.valleyhistory.org/event-details/santa-meet-greet-with-christmas-market-2025-12-06-10-00.
Wednesday, December 10th
The Human Rights Coalition of the Central Valley invites you to the 76th commemoration of Human Rights Day with keynote speaker Abdi Soltani, Executive Director of ACLU of Northern California, a reading of the 30 human rights by community members, and a video message from Rob Bonta, California Attorney General. The event takes place from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Fresno State Satellite Student Union.
Thursday, December 11th and Saturday, December 13th
Fresno Adventist Academy (a Christian School in South-East Fresno) would be honored to invite you and your family to their Annual Christmas Concerts; musical celebrations of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. These special evening programs will feature inspiring performances by the students, uplifting music, and a message of hope and joy for the season. We pray these events will be a blessing to all who attend as we unite in worship and fellowship to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. The elementary choir Tk-4 will sing at the school on December 11th at 6:30pm at 5397 E. Olive Ave., Fresno; the middle school and high school choirs will sing on December 13th at 5pm at Fresno Central Seventh day Adventist Church, 2980 E. Yale Ave., Fresno. These events are free and all are welcome. For more information go to www.faa.org.
Saturday, December 13th
The 96th Annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Fresno will be on Saturday, December 13, 2025! For the first time ever the parade will be taking place at night, bringing a whole new magic and spark to Downtown Fresno! Kickoff time is 6:30pm and the parade takes place on Fulton Street from Inyo to Calaveras. This year, participants are asked to LET IT GLOW! Help create twinkling displays incorporating as many lights as possible into your floats, walking groups, car groups, and more. Apply to participate at https://www.downtownfresno.org/things-to-do/christmas-parade?mc_cid=797ba13e12&mc_eid=2ca9ce4e90. The deadline is 11/3/25.
Saturday, December 13th
Plan to celebrate the Christmas Season at the Kearney Mansion Museum with a traditional tea party. The planned event is scheduled to be held in the Mansion's reception room and dining rooms and offers two seating times for tea at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Enjoy a delightful tea service in the Kearney Mansion dining and reception rooms followed by a tour of the house and a stop in the gift store. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased on line at https://www.valleyhistory.org/product-page/holiday-tea.
Wednesday, December 31st
Get ready to welcome 2026 with an evening of celebration and community at the River Parkway Trust's New Year’s Eve Gala! Tickets officially go on sale Tuesday, September 2nd, and you won’t want to miss it. The Gala takes place at the River Center Barn from 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm. The cost is $175 per guest or $1,400 for a table of 8. Set against the rustic beauty of the River Center Barn, the evening will feature a delicious dinner, live music, dancing, and a champagne toast as we count down to the New Year on New York time. It's a chance to dress up, celebrate with friends, and make the last night of 2025 one to remember—while still being home before midnight. Your ticket directly supports the River Parkway Trust's conservation, education, and recreation programs that steward the Parkway and connect our community to the river. For tickets and information, go to https://riverparkway.org/activities/parties-on-the-parkway/.
MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:
Friday, November 1st through Sunday, December 21st
The Good Company Players presents “A Christmas Carol,” a 21st century twist on the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge. The show will be performed at Good Company Players’ Second Space Theatre, located at 928 E. Olive in the Tower District. Show times are Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8:00 p.m., & Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. Prices are $25 general admission; $20 for students, seniors and active duty military. Groups of 16 or more are eligible for discounts. For information and group reservations, call Dave at (559) 266-9493. For general tickets, call 559-266-0660 to reserve or online at https://www.simpletix.com/e/dracula-a-comedy-of-terrors-tickets-175111.
Saturday, November 8th through Saturday, December 13th
Fresno Art Museum is offering an ongoing oil painting workshop with local artist and teacher Mariah Calvert. Workshops take place on select Saturdays including the ones listed below, from 1-3 p.m. The cost is $30 per workshop for Museum members and $35 for non-members. Workshops are open adults and teens 15 years or older. No experience necessary. The instructor will provide optional still life or bring your own props or photos. Materials are not included: the material list can be found at https://fresnoartmuseum.org/workshop. There will be a workshop on November 8th, 15th, and 22nd, and December 13th. To attend any of these workshops, register by 4 p.m. on the Friday before the workshop, by going to https://portal.campnetwork.com/Register/Register.php?camp_id=398861.
Friday, November 21st through Sunday, January 18th
Good Company Players invites you to a performance of “Something Rotten.” “Hysterically historically inaccurate! Get thee to the funnery!” Performances are at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater, 1226 N. Wishon, at Olive and Wishon in The Tower District. On Thursdays, a sumptuous dinner service begins at 5:30 p.m., with a Pre-Show featuring Good Company Players’ Junior Company at 7:30 and the performance at 8:00 p.m. On Friday & Saturday, a mouth-watering served meal begins service at 5:30 p.m., with the Pre-Show at 7:30 p.m. and the performance at 8:00 p.m. And on Sunday matinees, a hearty full service brunch begins service at 11 a.m., with the Pre-Show at 1 p.m. and the performance at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for dinner and show performances are $65 (or $60 for seniors, students and members of the military with valid ID; $50 for young adults 16-21). Show only tickets are $35. For tickets, go to https://rogerrockas.com/shows/categories/roger-rockas/my-fair-lady-2025/.
Friday, November 21st through Sunday, January 4th
The Fresno City and County Historical Society invite you to celebrate Christmas at Kearney Mansion: Beyond Santa, Delivering Holiday Magic is a celebration you won't forget! Their annual display will fill Kearney Mansion with sixteen Christmas trees from November 21st through January 4th. This year, each of their trees will feature the story of different mythical gift-bringers from around the world. Local decorators will bring their own special interpretation and creativity, making each tree unique. This six-week long event will feature a host of special activities including a Meet & Greet with Santa featuring a Christmas Market on December 6th & 7th and a Holiday Tea Party on December 13th. Public mansion tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at noon, 1:30PM and 3:00PM, advance reservations are encouraged. Private tours for groups of 10 or more are available throughout the week by appointment. For mansion tour tickets, go to https://www.valleyhistory.org/book-online.
Thursday December 4th through Sunday, February 1st
Fig Tree Gallery has under gone a complete renovation, come and see their new, clean modern look, and view our December exhibition: Renaissance. Renaissance — from the French for rebirth — marks a new beginning for Fig Tree Gallery following its recent renovation. With new walls, lighting, and a revitalized creative spirit, this two-month exhibition celebrates transformation, innovation, and rediscovery through the work of Fig Tree Gallery’s member artists. Visitors are invited to experience the gallery’s renewal and the enduring power of art to illuminate change. The Gallery is located at 644 Van Ness Avenue. For more information go to www.figtreegallery.us.
Friday, December 5th through Friday, January 9th
The Fresno Area Hispanic Founda/on proudly announces the opening of Mariposa Winter Village – Downtown Fresno’s Ice Ska=ng Rink, star/ng this December 5, 2025, through January 9, 2026, at Mariposa Plaza in downtown Fresno. This beloved holiday experience will once again transform Downtown Fresno into a festive winter designation
featuring a full-sized outdoor ice rink, live music, children’s workshops, traditional holiday food, and much more. The rink will operate as follows:
• Monday–Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Each ice skating session lasts 1 hour, starting every 90 minutes at 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. The cost is $18 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under. Tickets available online at https://fresnoahf.org/mariposawintervillage and on-site (subject to availability).
Wednesday, January 21st through Saturday, January 24th
The 46th Annual EcoFarm Conference takes place at Asilomar State Beach & Conference Grounds Pacific Grove, CA. For more information and to register, go to https://www.eco-farm.org/ecofarm-2026.
Ongoing
First & Third Saturday of each Month:
The Reedley Peace Center Bi-monthly Protest/Visibility Event will take place the first and third Saturday of each month at the corner of Manning and Buttonwillow, from 9-9:30 a.m. This is the same location as the Reedley No Kings Rally on October 18th. Bring your signs with whatever is on your mind that week. Mark your calendars and let's join together to raise our voices.
Saturdays starting March 1st
The Fresno Art Museum invites you to a weekly Oil Painting class with painter Mariah Calvert, from 1-4 p.m. in the FAM Classroom. No experience is necessary and the instructor will provide still life, or you can bring your own props or photos to paint from. Materials are not included and must be provided by the participant. A list of supplies is at https://fresnoartmuseum.org/application/files/4117/3956/6298/Oil_Painting_Workshop_Supply_List_.pdf. The per-class cost is $30 for FAM members or $35 for non-members. Register at https://fammuseumstore.shopsettings.com/Oil-Painting-Workshop-Saturdays-1-00-to-4-00-pm-Beginning-Saturday-March-1-2025-c177148730.
Wednesdays, from May through October
The Farmers Market on Kern Street in Downtown Fresno opens May 7th and runs through October, from 9am - 2pm at Kern St between M & N Streets, with 25 vendors and an office attire friendly yoga session! Note that the Market will not operate when the temperature is more than 105 degrees.
Thursdays beginning March 6th
The Fresno Art Museum invites you to a weekly Gouache Painting Workshop with painter Sanking Saephan, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the FAM Classroom. No experience is necessary and the instructor will provide still life, or you can bring your own props or photos to paint from. Materials are not included and must be provided by the participant. A list of supplies is available on the FAM website, fresnoartmuseum.org. The cost is $30 per class for FAM members or $35 or non-members. Registration (and more information) is at https://fammuseumstore.shopsettings.com/Gouache-Painting-Workshop-Thursdays-4-30-to-6-30-pm-c177169507.
Every first and third Sunday:
The Fresno Art Museum is offering free admission every first and third Sunday, thanks to City of Fresno Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Fund administered by the Fresno Arts Council.
Every Monday (starting 1/6/25):
Beginning January 2025, join Ron and Carol for a bowl of hot soup at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence. It will usually ready by 12:30. Below is the menu for January and February:
January 6 - Chicken Soup with Rosemary, Lemon, Sweet Potatoes and Pasta / Crackers on the side
January 13 - Red Cabbage Soup / Sweet Potato Bourbon Pie on the side
January 20 - Grief Soup / Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls on the side
January 27 - Minestrone Soup / Crackers on the side
February 3 - Sweet Potato Beef Stew / Crackers on the side
February 10 - Creamy Potato Soup / Crackers on the side
February 17 - Cheeseburger Soup / Crackers on the side
February 24 - Red Lentil Soup / Crackers on the side
ALL soups will be made with vegan meat and vegan dairy products. They look forward to your visit and good conversation.
Every Saturday (until the killing in Palestine ends)
There will be a protest at Riverpark (Blackstone & Nees) from 6-7:30 p.m. hosted by the People for Palestine, to protest, War on Yemen, Gaza Genocide and denial of our civil and constitutional rights. Signs and banners will be available: Bring yours, hold theirs or help hold one of the large banners. Your presence is what counts most! Come for as long as you can and bring a chair if that's more comfortable.
Every Sunday (until the killing in Palestine ends)
Jovita in her ongoing Demonstration/Vigil in support of Palestine, every Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cedar Avenue and Barstow Avenue, across from Fresno State football stadium. Each person can choose their time. Whatever time you can be there will be enough.
Every Wednesday (until the killing in Palestine ends)
There will be a vigil from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in front of the Federal Courthouse at 2500 Tulare St. in Downtown Fresno.
Every Saturday and Sunday (while fruit lasts):
Lace-up your boots and grab your baskets, it’s time to go fruit picking! Come take a stroll at Sumner Peck Ranch (14439 N. Friant Rd. Friant, CA 93626), Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 am - 5 pm, no advance registration is required. Enjoy picking navel oranges, blood oranges, pomelos, Minneola tangelos, mandarins, and lemons all at $1.50 per pound. The U-Pick Citrus season will run from January 18th until the fruit is gone! U-Pick is open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and fruit is $1.50 per pound. The U-Pick Citrus season will run from January 18th until the fruit is gone! For more information go to https://riverparkway.org/places/sumner-peck-ranch/.
Starting Now:
"Covid 19, a Play," was written by Patricia Wells during the height of the pandemic in 2020 which swept through cities and states infecting communities and hitting farmworkers and workers in food processing industries especially hard; causing significant fatalities in the Central Valley and throughout the country. As the pandemic raged it was the labor of farmworkers and low-wage workers that kept the country alive, yet they were given no protections. This play was written so that their sacrifices will not be forgotten. The play is about a small farmworker family living in the outskirts of town, in which a member comes down with Covid catching the family completely off guard. Knowing nothing about the virus which invades and threatens their lives and facing an uncertain future, the family must depend on the leadership, vigilance and guidance of the mother and her son, as they scramble for information and help as to how to protect themselves from the deadly grip of the virus. To view the play, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wFTQq_nu9k.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays:
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization invites you to participate in any of th following classes:
Ongoing Weekly classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays:
Mondays: 7pm - 8:15pm- Learn to meditate, starting July 10th
Tuesdays: 5:30pm - 6:30pm- Inner Peace & Happiness
Thursdays: 7pm - 8pm- Enhancing Your Experience of Peace, Love & Happiness
Monthly Classes:
Second Sat. of the month: 4pm - 5:30 pm- Meditation, then discussion
World Meditation: third Sunday of every month: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Monthly classes: date & time varies: Exploring the Relationship of Body, Mind, & Soul
For registration or inquiries: Call 559- 435-2212, or e-mail bkFresnoclasses@gmail.com or rajayoga108@gmail.com. Some classes are in person & some on Zoom. All classes are free.
Every Tuesday
The Fresno Center for Nonviolence invites you to free meditation classes every Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. at the Center, 1584 N. Van Ness Ave. in Fresno. Learn techniques to experiencer peace within you and harmony in your relationships. This is guided meditation, with discussion led by Veena Kapoor and Kim Forbes, practicing Raja Yoga meditation. For more information, call (559) 435-2212.
Second Tuesday of each month:
Peace Fresno’s study group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at FCNV, 1584 N. Van Ness Ave.
Every Wednesday
There’s a free poetry group, meeting every Wednesday, 2-4 pm, at the Gillis Branch Library, 629 West Dakota Avenue, Fresno. The group is led by Bill Simmons, a recent transplant from Iowa. Bill has been writing poetry for years, and has had several pieces published. Whether you have been writing for years, or just getting started, this group is for you!
Every 3rd Wednesday
Downtown Fresno launched “Why Not Wednesday,” in September of 2024. Come out every third Wednesday for this exciting event that transforms Fulton Street into a vibrant pop-up market, featuring a diverse mix of vendors, food trucks, artists, and live music. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or just looking for a fun night out, “Why Not Wednesday” is the place to be. The event is family-friendly and free to the public, making it the perfect mid-week escape. The event is from 5-9pm on Fulton Street in downtown Fresno.
Fourth Thursday of each month:
Peace Fresno has moved their business meetings to the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence (FCNV), 1584 N. Van Ness Ave.
Second Wednesday of every month:
Sisters for Pelvic Health invites you to their monthly meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of every month The meetings take place at Creative Therapeutics, 2763 E Shaw Ave #102, Fresno. They are Sisters Encouraging One Another in Life For Pelvic Health. You can also join them from wherever you are, virtually on Zoom. So, please RSVP to attend in person or virtually. Then they can send you the Zoom link. Remember that all women are welcome, so please spread the word and invite others to join. They are on social media on facebook and instagram. So please share those posts as well. Space is limited - so please RSVP sisters4pelvichealth@gmail.com . Follow them on; instagram.com/sistersforpelvichealth/ or facebook.com/sistersforpelvichealth.
Second & Fourth Wednesdays starting June 23rd
The Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health in collaboration with The Source LGBT+ Center and the Fresno EOC LGBTQ Center will provide no-cost Pop-Up groups in Fresno County starting June 23, 2021. The Pop-Up groups are a way to provide affirming, supportive and safe space for local LGBTQ+ persons. Pop-Up groups seek to focus on protective factors so to reduce risk factors for suicide, substance use and
mental illness. The project plans to conduct population specific engagement, support, affirmation, and education for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults as well as for family members and care takers. These efforts have been utilized in ways to reduce the risk factors for suicide in the LGBTQ community. While funded through the County’s Mental Health Services Act-Suicide Prevention efforts, the program is not focused on suicide
prevention specifically, but on protective factors so to lessen the risks for suicidal ideation and suicides. Belonging is a protective factor, and in instances where youth may not feel that they belong, in their home, in their classrooms, etc., having support groups can fill that void and provide some belonging and start to reduce some of the risk factors. The Pop Ups will provide some critical protective factors by providing:
Connections to other adults who are not parents. Safe space, closeness to caring friends, awareness, and access to local health services, as well as support to parents so to strengthen connectedness with their child and learn how to better support their youth. To learn about the Pop-Up groups and/or participate interested persons can contact The Source LGBT+ Center’s Spencer Salazar at spencer@thesourcelgbt.org . The initial groups will be on-line from 4pm-6pm starting on June 23, 2021. Groups will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. The groups will be virtual initially with plans for in-person locations being developed.
Last Wednesday of each month:
Root & Rebound in conjunction with Central California Legal Services is offering a virtual Criminal Record Expungement Clinic every last Wednesday of the month from 3-5 p.m. (no clinics in November and December). If you have a criminal conviction in Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Madera, Merced, Mariposa, or Tuolumne County, you may receive free legal information from volunteer advocates on how to request expungement of your criminal record. Participants must complete the prescreen using the link below and an advocate will confirm your eligibility prior to the clinic. Knowledgeable and skilled advocates will:
Review convictions and expungement eligibility
Prepare court forms
Provide legal information with no attorney-client relationship
Meet with you privately in a Zoom breakout room
Clinic partners will assist you in filing all court forms
To complete the prescreening go to https://form.jotform.com/220457644834157. For more information contact the Pro Bono Program at 559-570-1274 or by e-mail to ProBono@CentralCalLegal.org.
Fourth Wednesday of each month:
Sisters for Pelvic Health meet the 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:00 pm-7:00pm at Creative Therapeutics - Socially Distant, 2763 E Shaw Ave #102, Fresno. You can also join virtually via Zoom. To join remotely, RSVP to sisters4pelvichealth@gmail.com and they can send you the Zoom link. They plan a fun evening getting to know you and supporting each other on our journeys' through pelvic pain. Remember that all women are welcome, so please spread the word and invite others to join us. They are on social media on facebook and instagram. So please share those posts as well: instagram.com/sistersforpelvichealth, facebook.com/sistersforpelvichealth, and www.facebook.com/sistersforpelvichealth.
Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization invites you to join them for guided meditation, wisdom insights and discussion on Peace of Mind and Harmony in Relationships. Know yourself on your journey of personal development and help yourself to grow and discover your values. Password and ID for all the meditation classes is now: ID 277 751 8092, Passcode 807401. For more information call (559) 435-2212 or e-mail rajayoga108@gmail.com.
EndGame 2050
Humanity has backed itself into an ecological endgame as we approach the year 2050.
Featuring musician Moby along with leading scientists, and created by physician turned environmentalist Sofia Pineda Ochoa, ENDGAME 2050 lays out the existential crises bearing down on the planet and underscores the harsh reality that, unless we take responsibility and act urgently now, we are hastening our own destruction and that of virtually all other life on the planet. You can view the film on YouTube by going to https://www.endgame2050.com.
The Central Sierra Resiliency Fund is supporting long-term Creek Fire recovery efforts in communities within the vicinity of Fresno County’s Central Sierra region including, but not limited to, Huntington Lake, Lakeshore, Big Creek, Shaver Lake, Pine Ridge, Meadow Lakes, Alder Springs, and Auberry. A component of recovery is acknowledging the grief brought on by a disaster, and remembering that which came before. The Resiliency Fund is committed to honoring the historical legacy of the Central Sierra region by collecting community stories of the Creek Fire--and the unique histories that precede the Creek Fire--and preserving those stories through the Central Sierra Historical Society. The Resiliency Fund has begun collecting community stories with an online story and photo submission process. These stories will be used as a way to document and preserve the many experiences and impacts of the Creek Fire. This repository could later be used to construct a comprehensive Creek Fire exhibit at the museum, community kiosks and/or a book. Please help us spread the word about this project to anyone with a Creek Fire story to share. We will collect the stories, preserve them, and weave them into the history displayed at the Central Sierra Historical Society Museum and beyond. We will also be sharing stories on our website and social media.
These can be stories of places, artifacts, or of your experience during the Fire itself. For more information, go to https://sierrahistorical.org/resiliencyfund/storytelling-program/.
Every Day
Fresno County’s Public Library and Department of Public Works have teamed to offer a first-of-its-kind recycling program. Starting September 5, 2017, county residents can drop off used compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), fluorescent tubes, alkaline and rechargeable batteries at eleven different Library branches. These items contain hazardous substances and must be deposited at approved facilities, sometimes for a fee. This new service is being provided free of charge to County residents to encourage and ensure proper disposal of universal waste. Public Works will provide approved hazardous material collection containers at eleven Library branches: the Central Library, Betty Rodriguez Regional Library, Clovis Regional Library, Fig Garden Regional Library, Sunnyside Regional Library, Woodward Park Regional Library, Mendota Branch Library, Orange Cove Branch Library, Reedley Branch Library, Sanger Branch Library and Selma Branch Library. This program might be expanded to other branches in the future. For more information about Library programs, services, and specific branch hours, please go to www.fresnolibrary.org, or call the Library at (559) 600 – READ (7323).
Every Tuesday through Thursday
The Fresno County Department of Public Health offers free confidential rapid HIV testing at the Fresno County Department of Public Health building at 1221 Fulton Mall, Specialty Clinic Area, First Floor, from 8:30 am – 11:00 am and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
For more information, contact Jena Adams, Supervising Communicable Disease Specialist, at (559) 600-3434.
Every Thursday and Sunday
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization is offering Weekly meditations- Thursdays 7 to 8 p.m. and Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Zoom ID 277 751 8092, Passcode: 807401. For more information, contact them at (559) 435-2212 or rajayoga108@gmail.com.
Every Saturday
There is a medical clinic for the homeless, actively injecting drug users and prostitutes every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. or until the last patient is served. You can find them near Hughes and Olive Ave. The clinic is staffed by Dr. Marc Lasher and volunteers. Financial donations are accepted. For more information, call 266-0444.
Every Saturday
Food Not Bombs feeds the hungry from 1 - 2 p.m. near the Olive Ave entrance to Roeding Park. If you would like to help them prepare the meal, they meet every Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church (1343 E. Barstow) at 10am. For more information email fresnofnb@hotmail.com or visit the official FNB website, foodnotbombs.net.
Most Saturdays
Most Saturdays there is a Fresno Free Bicycle Repair Clinic from 1- 3 p.m. near the Olive Ave entrance to Roeding Park, beside Food Not Bombs. Donations of bicycle parts, inner tubes, and blinky lights are welcome. Volunteers are needed to help with minor repairs. For more info and to arrange donations, e-mail: garza.reyes@live.com.
Every Sunday
You are invited and encouraged to join Jovita in her ongoing Demonstration/Vigil in support of Palestine Every Sunday, 9 – 1pm at Cedar Avenue and Barstow Avenue
Across from Fresno State football stadium. Each person can choose their time. Whatever time you can be there will be enough.
Every Sunday
Food Not Bombs serves free food at Courthouse Park to anyone who is hungry. They start cooking at 1 PM and serve the food at 3 PM (meet at the Tulare side of the park). For more information go to http://cafefresno.org.
First Wednesday of each month:
A Women in Black Silent Vigil takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fresno County Courthouse, 1100 Van Ness Ave. Show your support for peace and negotiated settlements of current U.S. military actions. Stand silently and advocate for peace. For more information, call 559-278-7140 or 559-225-2850. This vigil takes place the 1st Wednesday of each month.
The “Goodie Bag Project” is collecting small toiletry items brought home from hotels and vacations to provide gifts for women incarcerated in Central Valley Women’s Prisons. This is a collaborative effort of the CCWF Inmate Family Council, the Fresno Center for Nonviolence, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno Social Justice Committee, and the United Methodist Church of Merced. They are seeking sample/travel size bath gels, body soap, lotions, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, small combs and pocket sized packages of tissues (no food, candy, edibles, drinkables, mouthwash or anything containing alcohol). They are also collecting all kinds of greeting cards, wooden pencils and clear, colorless pens, as well as paper scratch pads and picture postcards. Items may be dropped off at the Center for Nonviolence, 1584 N. Van Ness Ave., south of McKinley, during open hours, M - F, 11 AM - 3 PM. Checks can be made out to "FCNV Prison Ministry - Goodie Bags," and mailed to the Center at the above address, or dropped off in person. Receipts will be given. All donations are tax-deductible. For additional information or to see if an item is allowable under prison rules, call Maria Telesco at 559-255-9492. Please remember all items must be SMALL.
Volunteers Needed: Collective for Arts, Freedom, and Ecology (CAFE) Fresno, whose mission is to provide a safe space for all people and provide programs and events that provide enrichment and information to Fresno and the Central Valley, is looking for volunteers, especially for Food Not Bombs, an organization that provides a nutritious meal to anybody that would like and need one. Food Not Bombs is in dire need of physical and financial help, and will accept anything that might go to waste that is still useful. This includes but is not limited to: clothing, toys, tools, and furniture. All of these items will be redistributed to others that need them. Food Not Bombs meets on Sundays at CAFE Infoshop (935 F. Street in Fresno) at noon sharp, to chop and cook until 3. At 3 p.m., they serve at the courthouse park. For more information call Vanessa at (559) 485-3937 or e-mail vanpadilla@gmail.com.
Host an International High School Exchange Student
High school students from around the world come to the US to spend a year or a semester in American schools. Your family can learn about Germany, China, Finland, Italy, or another country by hosting a student. International Experience is a non-profit that helps you connect with an exchange student hoping to study abroad and invites you to share your home with a student who will become a part of your family. Students in the International Experience program must meet strict guidelines and complete multiple screenings in their home countries. During their stay they are covered by their own health insurance and provide their own spending money. These students want to come to the US to practice English and learn about our culture. As a host family, you simply provide a bed, family meals and invite your student to participate in your family’s traditions and introduce them to our American culture. To learn more about the opening your heart and home to an exchange student contact International Experience at 888-266-29 21. or visit ie-usa.com.
Ongoing:
The AMVETS Call of Duty Endowment Career Centers provide FREE career training and employment assistance to veterans, active duty service members, National Guard, and Reserve members and spouses. For additional information please call 877-726-8387, once again that is 877-726-8387.
Fresno County Public Library is recruiting skilled volunteers to assist teens and parents fill out applications for college and financial aid. When schools are closed, rural students throughout the county often find it difficult to access materials and computers that can help with this milestone in a student’s life. The Fresno County Public Library not only provides a safe and welcoming environment for these students and families, but also has the needed technology and print materials to help them navigate the college and career path. Those with Spanish language skills are encouraged to apply. By becoming a College Prep Coach, volunteers will dedicate a few hours each week to help families unfamiliar with the task of completing important applications. "All students must have direct access to materials and technology to succeed in life,” says County Librarian Laurel Prysiazny. “By staffing several rural branches with trained volunteers, the Library’s College Prep Program will assist students and families with laying the groundwork for making college a reality.” If you would like to help a teen go to college visit http://www.fresnolibrary.org and click on the volunteer banner, or call Elizabeth Finkle at (559) 600-9230.
The Artists' Loft group at The Studio Community Center in North Fork presents an ongoing Arts & Crafts program of classes for young and old. The classes are affordable and help support The Studio. To view the calendar go to nfstudio.org. You can click on Artists' Loft @ The Studio from the Home page to learn more about the group.
ON LINE EVENTS AND RESOURCES
In these difficult times, there may be services available that can help families get through. Many families are experiencing challenges that they never thought they would face. The Fresno County Department of Social Services (DSS) may be able to help. There are a variety of ways for Fresno County residents to apply for and access assistance and services. DSS administers a wide variety of programs that can help residents in need. These include help with food, health insurance, job training, homeless assistance, and emergency cash assistance. There are several ways the community can access DSS services:
Find general information at www.fresnocountyca.gov/DSSassist
Apply for services online at www.MyBenefitscalwin.org
Call the DSS Service Center at 1-855-832-8082
For more information, please visit www.fresnocountyca.gov/DSSassist
Below are links for a series of webinars offered by the Reedley Peace Center on the issue of Immigration:
The Fresno Commission for Police Reform, which was formed following a demonstration of local outrage response to the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police, is presenting the public with a rare opportunity observe and interact with its important work. The commission's website, https://www.fresno-cpr.com,is an excellent resources for all who want to learn more, respond to a survey created by Fresno State's Sociology Department and participate in some of the Commission's discussions. It is also an opportunity to observe local leaders grappling with the important and challenging task of police reform.
The Film “Economics of Happiness” can be viewed on line for free at https://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/the-economics-of-happiness/?link_id=8&can_id=32c6c32bbda29a00eef53b1184d86952&source=email-where-do-we-go-from-here-22&email_referrer=email_888883&email_subject=where-do-we-go-from-here.
In commemoration of the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima, watch the animated movie “Barefoot Gen” about a Japanese family in Hiroshima in the days before and after the bombing. Warning: THIS IS NOT FOR CHILDREN. It is very graphic but dispells any illusions about the effects of nuclear war. If you don't subscribe or can't find the movie with dubbed English voices on Netflix or other movie sites, you can buy it on Amazon for $20 or watch it for free with English subtitles on YouTube. Click on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqDQd1wkDj0&utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=200724_Some_good_news&utm_medium=email.
Fresno Historical Society’s Time Travelers
Join the Fresno Historical Society anytime online for a trip to Fresno County from 1856 to 1910 at their Virtual Time Travelers event. The experience offers 12 immersive and unique lessons will take students on a journey to the America of the late 1800s and will share the story of Fresno County in the 19th century through activities, video presentations and historic images. You will meet Fresno County's first doctor, first teacher and early pioneers. Tour a general store, learn about turn-of-the-century medicine, visit Fresno's colorful Chinatown and see what daily life was like during this historic time. Each lesson includes a discussion guide along with a video or photo gallery and narratives. To participate, go to https://www.valleyhistory.org/time-travelers.
Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF)
The Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF) have moved their curriculum online, with some unexpected benefits, central of them the ability to engage teaching artists from around the world to work with local youth and expand their musical horizons. They were asked to create a video performance for the Fresno Arts Council’s live-streamed Horizon event. The result was an eight-minute survey of the Youth Orchestras’ history, plus some featured soloists who submitted video recordings specifically for this purpose.
The video is now available on YouTube. To watch this special video on You-Tube, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=dTVGZJjh4WA&feature=youtu.be.
Central California Legal Services is offering a virtual workshop on services available during the pandemic. This workshop is in Spanish, and can be accessed by going to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADb6D7IIUDo. Clínica Virtual: Programas de asistencia y política de servicios públicos durante la pandemia (Utility & Telecom in Spanish). ¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con Jennifer Ramirez, Secretaria Legal, Programa Pro Bono al (559) 570-1245 o jramirez@centralcallegal.org.
Medically Trained Personnel Needed During COVID-19 Pandemic in Fresno
To help support ongoing COVID-19 response efforts, Fresno County is seeking registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), certified nurse assistants, and other medically trained personnel to help meet potential staffing needs at local hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, and/or alternate care sites. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Fresno County and across the country, the demands for resources and support continue to increase in healthcare settings and local health departments. In order to be as prepared as possible, the County is building a pool of medically trained personnel to be activated when needed at hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, or at an alternate care site. In addition to individuals with healthcare experience, there may be additional opportunities for those with experience in the following areas:
nutrition,
administration,
customer service § social work,
case management,
office assistance,
information technology, and many more.
Fresno County understands the value of persons coming together in public service in order to help fight the spread of COVID-19 in our community. To help in this pandemic, sign up for volunteer and paid positions by visiting www.fcdph.org/covid19 and fill out the information under the Volunteer tab.
The Community Alliance newspaper is online now.
You can see all of their articles here: https://fresnoalliance.com.
CreateCA has created this great website to help you and your children get through these challenging times. Go to https://createca.org/createathome/. You can also find some additional lesson plans that can be done at home on the Fresno Art Museum website, along with tips on how to teach a visual art lesson. Just go to https://www.fresnoartmuseum.org/agc.
The Central Valley Justice Coalition is offering new online class, “Understanding Human Trafficking.” This new online class is a self-paced class. Unlike a webinar, there is no live instruction, which means you can watch this at your own pace and your own timing. To participate, go to https://ce.fresno.edu/educator-workshops/ceu-certificates/central-valley-justice-coalition/hbm-050?utm_source=Central+Valley+Justice+Coalition+News&utm_campaign=c8b95fbf0a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_02_07_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4276ed74b3-c8b95fbf0a-129645965&mc_cid=c8b95fbf0a&mc_eid=190c576061.
