NOTE: Many events may have been cancelled and the City of Fresno has issued a shelter in place. Contact event first.
The City of Fresno Wednesday issued a “shelter in place” order for residents to limit the spread of corona virus.
The order allows residents to leave their homes for essential services, such as grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, picking up medications or going to work. When people do leave their homes, the order instructs them to practice social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet away from others and wear a mask. The order urges the elderly and people with illnesses to stay home as much as possible.
KFCF Community Calendar: Updated 7/23/21
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)
Starting Now:
The Madera County Dept. of Public Health is introducing a new incentive program funded by CalViva Health that rewards Madera County residents for getting vaccinated against COVID-19. By referring a friend to get vaccinated, both the referrer and the newly vaccinated friend will be given a $25 gift card while supplies last. To participate, one must first sign up for the program by visiting MCDPH’s vaccine page, www.MaderaCounty.com/COVID19Vaccine, where they will be given a unique 4-digit code. This code can be shared with family and friends who aren’t yet vaccinated. Those who do not have an email or internet access that wish to participate, may call 311 to receive a referral code. The person who was referred must provide the 4-digit code at the time of their first dose appointment. Following the visit, both parties will receive their gift card within one week. There is no limit on the number of individuals a person may refer.
Saturday, July 24th
Stand with Cuba! There will be a Rally for Cuba car caravan starting at 6 p.m. at the SE corner of Olive and Wishon in the Tower District, to Blackstone & Nees.
Saturday, July 24th
Fresno’s historic Kearney Blvd. Bike Tour starts at 7:15 a.m. Enjoy the outdoors and join the Fresno Historical Society for a bucolic and shady six-mile ride along Historic Kearney Blvd. led by the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition followed by a guided tour of the Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery. The ride will depart from Chandler Field at 7:15 AM and follow a well maintained class 1 multi-purpose trail which parallels the street. This fun, family-friendly outing is both healthy and educational. Tickets are $15. Register now at https://www.valleyhistory.org/historic-kearney-blvd-bike-tour.
Saturday, July 24th
Visalia Gleaning Seniors holds its Saturday Yard Sale from 8:00 a.m. to Noon at the Gleaner Yard, 28600 Rd 156, Visalia (between Caldwell & Walnut).
Saturday, July 24th
CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) is offering a free workshop: Creator's Circle - A Space for Creative Storytellers,” from 2-4 p.m. Are you looking for a safe space to get creative and work on your projects? Are you searching for a community to share ideas and collaborate with? Then check out CMAC’s Creator’s Circle! What is the Creator's Circle? This monthly meetup is an opportunity for storytellers and creatives to share their ideas, get feedback, and develop their creative process through conversation and engaging activities. Every month they’ll discuss a unique aspect of the creative process, from coming up with ideas to executing them, to overcoming blocks and rejection. After the discussion, they’ll invite you to stick around and work on your project! This is a chance for you to engage with your fellow writers, filmmakers, podcasters, and artists to learn and develop your craft in a safe, collaborative space, without the distractions of daily life. This month they will be exploring creativity, asking how do we begin a project, where we seek inspiration, and diving deeper into what drives us to tell stories. Who should join the Creator's Circle? Creators of all backgrounds! If you are a filmmaker, writer, podcaster, or a creative storyteller looking to build a network of like-minded creatives to share ideas and collaborate with, then this group is for you! This group is free and open to all, a CMAC Membership is not required. To register, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAof-Gqrj8rH9X2W1Gz84dQXLQXk4AEdnR4. Contact CMAC for questions: info@cmac.tv.
Saturday, July 24th
if you love stand-up comedy, you're really gonna love this show! Veteran comedians and headliners Richard Weiss and Donna Maine are gonna bring the laughs to the Valley on the 24th - come out and celebrate a birthday, a night out with the boys or girls - you don't wanna miss this night of comedy and laughs! The event takes place from 8-10:30 p.m. at La Maison Kabob, 1243 Fulton Street in Fresno. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smiley-gs-stand-up-evening-of-comedy-tickets-163581248919.
Sunday, July 25th
There will be a Solidarity Action to stand with the Cuban people and end the crippling blockade, starting at 9 a.m. at the corner of Olive & Wishon. Find more information on Facebook @fresnosolidarity.
Wednesday, July 28th
Sisters for Pelvic Health meet the 4th Wednesday of each month. This month’s meeting is 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.
Friday, August 6th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speakers Dan O'Connell and Scott Peters on “In The Struggle: Scholars and the Fight against Industrial Agribusiness in California,” a book talk and community discussion. This virtual event begins at 6 p.m. Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrdOihpjMqHNOEx8caRvoFh9Ua1gs4OycJ to register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Saturday, August 28th
The Fresno Art Museum invites you to its first in-person fundraising event since the pandemic! Join them at the Hukilau, a Polynesian Sit-Down Dinner with wine, Oooh de Lolli desserts, a no-host bar, silent auction, Polynesian entertainment, Tahitian Pearl Bar, Curbside attendant and Photographer! It takes place from 6-10 p.m. at the San Joaquin Country Club, 3484 West Bluff Ave. in Fresno. Tickets are $160 each and space is limited to 150 guests, so reserve your tickets now! For information and tickets call (559) 441-4221 or (559) 289-5183, or go to https://fresnoartmuseum.org/hukilau.
Saturday, September 18th
The Walk to End Alzheimer's takes place in person this year. The Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. The health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remain their top priorities as they make decisions about event details in our community, and they’ll continue to offer options to participate online and in your neighborhood. They will be bringing the walk to Madera County for the first time this year, hosting at the beautiful Tesoro Viejo Welcome Center on September 18th. While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure. They invite you to join them by registering at https://act.alz.org/fresno2021.
Saturday, September 18th
Chowchilla Classic Car and Custom Bike Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park on Robertson Blvd. in Chowchilla. Registration is $35 with an early bird discount through 7/31/21, and the fee includes one free t-shirt and dash plaque. Register online at www.chowchillachamber.org. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the show begins at 10 a.m., with awards at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 18th
Join the Fresno Historical Society for the “Fields of Fresno Ag Tour: A Farmer’s Story.”
On September 18th, the Society will partner with the Fresno County Farm Bureau to provide an engaging and informational Ag Tour in and around Fresno County. This experience will include a coach bus ride through beautiful farmland, Q&A with local farmers, several stops with guided tours and a delicious lunch. Your unique experience will start at the Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery at 7:15 AM with hot coffee and a brief history of M. Theo Kearney and his historic Kearney Ranch and Fruit Vale Estate. Our comfortable and spacious coach bus will depart for three planned stops at Fresno County farms followed by a return to Kearney Park for lunch at 1:15 PM. Each guest will also receive a bag of goodies provided by the Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau. Space is limited so secure your tickets today. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at https://www.valleyhistory.org/ag-tour.
Saturday, October 9th
Central California Legal Services invites you to “Save the Date” for their “Champions of Justice” Award event. This year’s honoree is Mary Castro, First Lady of California State University. The event is from 4-6:30 p.m. at the San Joaquin River Parkway, 11605 Old Friant Rd., Fresno. For sponsorship information, contact luisa@centralcallegal.org, or call (559) 570-1242.
Saturday, October 23rd
The Central Valley Heart & Stroke Walk takes place starting at Tesoro Viejo, 4150 Town Center Blvd Ste 101 in Madera (starting time TBA). Get ready to get moving, honor survivors, and raise lifesaving funds. Remember, you keep hearts beating – the hearts of moms, dads, brothers, aunts and babies. They need you. “Lace up” and sign up now.
When you do, you will: Get Moving with their activity tracker and movement challenges on their mobile app; Get Connected: it's now easier than ever to connect, share and raise critical funds; Get Rewarded earn Heart Walk gear like caps, shirts, jackets and more; Get Inspired get creative, move wherever you are, any way you want – include your family too. This is a two mile walk. To register, go to https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=heartwalk_register&fr_id=6218.
MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:
Summer, 2021
The Fresno County Fruit Trail is a self-guided tour through California's agriculture heartland, created through a partnership between the elected and civic leaders and the farmers in Eastern Fresno County. The Fruit Trail celebrates the beauty, flavor and culture of this region. They invite you to enjoy orchards full of ripe fruit literally bursting with flavor, Nature's best, California Grown, from the leading agricultural county in the world. Fresno County Fruit Trail visitors can find updated trail information online at www.gofruittrail.com or follow the Fruit Trail on Twitter (@gofruittrail), allowing visitors and local fruit lovers easy access to the latest news on trail offerings and available fresh produce. Fruit Trail maps can be found online, at member stands/stores, and at chambers of commerce and visitor centers throughout eastern Fresno County.
Friday, May 28th through Sunday, August 1st
Oakhurst’s Golden Chain Theatre opens for the first time since March 13, 2020, with a unique “Drive-In Melodrama” performed outdoors in its parking lot! About 30-minutes south of Yosemite National Park this summer, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, boo at the villain and cheer for the hero while munching on free popcorn at an old-fashioned drive-in price. The show runs from May 28 – August 1, 2021, so pack up the family and discover throwback entertainment. Tickets and more info available at https://www.goldenchaintheatre.org/.
Friday, June 11th through Friday, August 13th
Fresno State winery staff and students will showcase their favorite wines at six “Friday Night Flights” outdoor wine tasting events this summer from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the ampus winery (2360 E. Barstow Ave.). Each event will feature a rotating list of fine white, rosé and red wines made by Viticulture and Enology Department staff and students and is open to the public for $7. The event is free to Fresno State wine club members. Upcoming Friday wine tastings will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 18, July 2, July 16, July 30 and August 13. All of the winery’s vintages use grapes harvested from the 120-acre campus vineyard and other fine grape-growing areas in the Central Valley, Sierra evada foothills and Central and Northern Coast areas. Wine enthusiasts can also enjoy a special mix-and-match offer for $30 that includes six bottles of the 2017 vintages of wines of Petite Sirah from Papagni Vineyards, Syrah from Saviez Vineyards and Presidents Reserve Syrah from the campus vineyard. Parking is available for free next to the winery in Lot 19. For more information, visit the winery Facebook page or contact winery_info@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559-278-6070.
Fridays during June and July
The City of Chowchilla hosts “Music in the Park” Friday nights from 7:30 – 9 p.m. on June 11th, 18th and 25th and July 2nd, 9th and 16th at Veteran’s Memorial Park, with a certified Farmer’s Market coinciding with Music in the Park from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturdays during June & July
The City of Chowchilla hosts “Summer Movies in the Park” at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Chowchilla. Movies start at 8:30 or sundown. On 6/12 they’ll be screening the movie “Onward”; on 6/19 they’ll screen “Doolittle”; on 6/26, “Trolls World Tour” and on 7/3, “Miracle.” These moves are free! Preceding the movies there will be “Science in the Park” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Join them to awesome science projects with the family (build them and take them home). The Park is located at 600 W. Robertson Blvd.
Monday, June 14th through Friday, August 6th
Your kids and teens are invited to participate in Fresno Art Museum’s Virtual Art Workshops offered on multiple dates between June 14 and August 6, 2021 via Zoom:
Stop-Motion Animation
Explore the Formal Elements (workshops for all ages)
Introduction to the Formal Elements of Art & Principles of Design for 4 to 7-year-olds
Art Around Town: Fresno Inspires!
Creatures Featured
Explore the Art of the Pre-Columbian World
Color Theory: Painting & Drawing
Portraiture: Drawing
Be Inspired by Influential Women Artists
(Louise Bourgeois, Judy Chicago, Yayoi Kusama, Louise Nevelson, & Kara Walker).
Enrollment will be limited to 12 students per workshop so signup soon! All details, supply lists, and registration available online: FresnoArtMuseum.org/Summer2021. And if you sign up one child from your family by May 21st, a sibling can join on the same computer for the same session FREE!
Friday, June 18th through Sunday, August 8th
The Good Company Players presents “Random World,” at GPC’s 2nd Space Theatre. This funny, fascinating, and fanciful play reminds us that accidents could be our greatest gifts. [“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.” – John Lennon.] Take a moment to embrace This Random World in which we all live. The show, like life is peppered with humor, pathos and a dollop of snark and filled with wonderful characters whose cluelessness makes us want to smack them into awareness until we realize they just might be us! Show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8:00 p.m., & Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. Prices are $20 general admission; $17 students/seniors/military; $12 student rush. 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://gcplayers.com/gcp-shows/this-random-world/. Good Company Players’ 2nd Space Theatre is located at 928 E. Olive in the Tower District.
Wednesday, June 23rd through Sunday, July 25th
The Fresno Yosemite International Airport will be hosting a Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the airport for staff, returning travelers, and their family members. The FCDPH will offer over 200 doses of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines from 3:00pm to 11:00pm. Vaccines are first come, first served. Appointments are not required, and walk-ins are welcome. Masks and temperature checks will be required, and hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the airport.
Thursday, July 15th through Sunday, September 12th
Don’t miss Good Company Players’ Fresno-Premiere of “Daddy Long Legs,” on stage now at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater! 18-year-old orphan, Jerusha Abbot, is given a college scholarship by a mysterious benefactor who asks only that she write him once a month relaying her progress, and warns her that he will never respond. Jerusha dubs her anonymous patron “Daddy Long Legs” and proceeds to inundate him with letters so overflowing with intelligence, compassion, and humor that his detachment is seriously undermined. Witty, poignant, and wonderfully warm, this compelling tale is an unusual love story – overflowing with a love of literature, learning, laughter, and life. And yes -- it includes a delightfully charming romance as well. The enchanting plot is enhanced by an exquisite score and is not to be missed. Dinner shows are as follows:
Thursdays - a buffet is served beginning at 5:30 p.m., with a Pre-Show featuring Good Company Players’ Junior Company at 7:00 and the performance at 7:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday - dinner is served beginning at 5:30 p.m., with the Pre-Show at 7:30 p.m. and the performance at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday matinee - a brunch buffet is served beginning at 11 a.m., with the Pre-Show at 1 p.m. and the performance at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday evening - a buffet is served beginning at 5:00 p.m., with the Pre-Show at 7:00 p.m. and the performance at 7:30 p.m.
The show takes place at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater, 1226 N. Wishon, at Olive and Wishon in The Tower District. The cost for the buffet and show on Thursdays & Sundays is $59.00 per person; Show Only - $33.00. The cost for the served meal and show on Fridays and Saturdays is $62.00; Show Only - $33.00; Special drink & dessert packages are available. * Admission granted with proof of vaccination or negative COVID test in past 72-hours. Masks required during the performance. For tickets or information, go to www.rocgerrockas.com, or call 559-266-9494 or 800-371-4747.
Tuesday, July 27th through Saturday, March 12th
Central California World Language Project is offering a series of free on-line workshops, part of a statewide initiative to improve access to high-quality world language instruction for K-12 educators. Both student teachers and experienced teachers are able to use resources and take them into their classrooms. Housed in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State, the project is positioned to provide targeted support for the needs of the Valley’s future teachers, including for those who speak Spanish or Hmong languages. The project is featuring workshops on new classroom teaching strategies, such as “Lesson Design in the 21st Century Classroom” (July 27) and “Focusing on Student Growth: A Lesson for our PLCs” (Oct. 5), as well as workshops on digital programs and apps such as “Adobe Sparks/Blooket” (July 29) and “Jamboard/Canva” (Nov. 2). Registration is required for each individual workshop. Teachers who participate in 40 hours of training can receive 2.5 continuing education credits from Stanford University. Please register for each free workshop separately.
For a list of available workshops go to their website, CCWLP.com, or click on https://drive.google.com/file/d/14DoqAyoWRiuAmx_N8f1uuUf9GGcUcfAX/view.
Tuesday, August 3rd through Tuesday, August 16th
The County of Fresno is hosting a series of Redistricting Public Workshops where the County will seek to educate the community about the redistricting process as well as listen to residents on what geography constitutes their neighborhoods and who their communities of interest are. Identifying these areas will inform the County’s Advisory Redistricting Commission on how to preserve the County’s unique and diverse communities when it recommends new supervisorial districts to the Board of Supervisors for adoption. Every ten years, local governments use new data from the Census to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. The Commission invites members of the Fresno County community to participate in the redistricting process to ensure district lines respect neighborhoods, history, and geographical elements. During the workshops, residents will learn how to define communities of interest, neighborhoods, and how to draw maps of the districts using the online and paper mapping tools. The public’s identification of communities of interest enables the Commission to better evaluate the County’s Board of Supervisors district boundaries--the input from these communities of interest will help shape these supervisorial districts as well as in the elections for the next ten years.
If residents are unable to attend the County’s upcoming workshop in-person, there is a Zoom option in Spanish and English. These hearings and workshops will take place throughout the coming summer and fall during which residents can submit feedback on local communities and maps. They are as follows:
July 14, 2021 - Public Engagement Workshop
Location: Riverdale High School – 3160 W Mt Whitney Ave, Riverdale, CA 93656 at 6:00 pm. To view the Live Stream meeting on Zoom webinar: https://zoom.us/j/91508233781. To listen by telephone dial: US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 408 638 0968. For English enter Webinar ID: 915 0823 3781; For Spanish enter Webinar ID: 972 9616 6702.
August 3, 2021 - Public Engagement Workshop, District 1. Location: Gaston Middle School – 1100 E. Church Ave., Fresno, CA 93706 at 6:00 pm.
August 4, 2021 - Public Engagement Workshop, District 3. Location: Fresno High School – 1839 N. Echo Avenue, Fresno, CA 93704 at 6:00 pm
August 12, 2021 – Commission Hearing. Location: Fresno County Health and Wellness Center – 1925 E. Dakota Ave. Fresno CA 93726 at 6:00 pm.
August 21, 2021 - Public Engagement Workshop, District 2. Location: Bullard High School – 5445 N. Palm Ave., Fresno, CA 93704 at 9:00 am.
August 21, 2021 - Public Engagement Workshop, District 5. Location: Veterans Memorial Center – 808 4th Street, Clovis, CA 93612 at 2:00 pm.
October 21, 2021 - Commission Hearing. Location: Fresno County Health and Wellness Center – 1925 E. Dakota Ave. Fresno, CA 93726 at 6:00 pm.
November 2, 2021- Board of Supervisors Hearing. Location: Fresno County Hall of Records – 2281 Tulare Street, Room 301, Fresno, CA 93721 at 1:00 pm.
November 16, 2021 - Board of Supervisors Hearing. Location: Fresno County Hall of Records – 2281 Tulare Street, Room 301, Fresno, CA 93721 at 1:00 pm
For updates and information about the redistricting process and future public meetings, visit the County’s redistricting website: www.co.fresno.ca.us/resources/redistricting, or email FresnoCounty2021Redistricting@fresnocountyca.gov.
Ongoing
Starting Now:
The Fresno County Public Library is pleased to announce that all Library branches throughout the county are open for walk-in services. While doors have been open since November, the Library can now provide services at pre-pandemic hours of operation.
At all Library branches, you can browse and check out books, access computers and printers, and stay as long you like with no time restrictions. Some Library branches have meeting rooms and study rooms available. Please call your local branch to learn how to reserve these rooms. As always, Library services are available online as well. You can check out electronic books and browse an extensive collection of online resources. For more information on Library services, specific branch hours, and COVID precautions, please visit www.fresnolibrary.org or call the Library at
(559) 600-READ (7323).
Summer
Fresno Cooling Centers
For the health, safety, and comfort of Fresno County residents, these designated locations may open as Cooling Centers by local governments when temperatures are forecasted by the National Weather Service (NWS) to exceed certain highs. Please note that hours and locations are subject to change, and not all locations are guaranteed to be open. For more information about cooling centers in your area, please contact your local city government directly. In Fresno, the following cooling centers will be open from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Frank H. Ball, 760 Mayor
Ted C. Wills Community Center, 770 N. San Pablo
Mosqueda Community Center, 4670 E. Butler
Pinedale Community Center, 7170 N. San Pablo
Mary Ella Brown Comm. Center, 1350 E. Annadale Ave
Romain Playground, 745 N. 1st Street
Holmes Playground, 212 S. 1st Street
Inspiration Park, 5770 W Gettysburg Ave
Einstein Park, 3566 E. Dakota Ave
Quigley Park, 808 W. Dakota Ave
Melody Park, 5935 E. Shields Ave
Layafette Park, 1516 E. Princeton Ave
In addition, pools are open to the public Monday - Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Mary Ella Brown Pool, 1350 E. Annadale, Bus Route: 32
Mosqueda Pool, 4670 E. Butler, Bus Route: 26 & 28
Learner Pool Locations:
Einstein Park – 3566 E. Dakota Ave
Fink White Park – 535 S. Trinity
Pinedale Community Center – 7170 N. San Pablo
Quigley Neighborhood Park – 808 W. Dakota
Romain Neighborhood Park – 745 N. First
The City’s FAX Bus system will provide free transportation along normal routes to and from Cooling Centers. To ride free, residents must indicate they are traveling to a Cooling Center. For information or assistance with the City Heat Relief Plan call (559) 621-CITY (2489)
Clovis Cooling Center
In the lobby of the Police and Fire Headquarters Building at 1233 5th St. (Open 24 hours, 7 days a week). Clovis Transit is free, visit the City of Clovis Transit Webpage or call (559) 324-2770.
Kingsburg Cooling Centers
Kingsburg Senior Center, 1450 Ellis St. Kingsburg, CA 93631. (559) 897-3013
Kingsburg City Hall, 1401 Draper St. Kingsburg, CA 93631. (559) 897-5821
Kingsburg Fire Department (open after hours and weekends as needed) at 1880 S Bethel Ave. Kingsburg, CA 93631. Phone Number: (559) 897-2931 (Police Department)
Crandell Swim Complex (free swimming when temperatures are over 105 degrees), 1900 18th Ave. Kingsburg, CA 93631. (559) 897-0305
Sanger Cooling Centers
Sanger City Annex, 1789 Jensen Ave Sanger, CA 93657, (559) 876-6300 extension 1430
Sanger Senior Center, 730 Recreation Avenue Sanger, CA 93657, (559) 876-6300
Merced Cooling Centers
When the temperature exceeds 100, Merced County will open the following cooling centers during specified days/times to be used as cooling zones if needed:
The City of Atwater’s Cooling Zone will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday at the Atwater City Hall lobby on 750 Bellevue Road.
The City of Dos Palos’ Cooling Zone will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday at the City-County Building on 1546 Golden Gate Ave.
The City of Gustine’s Cooling Zone will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday at the Police Department at 682 3rd Ave. or the Library at 205 Sixth St.
The City of Livingston’s Cooling Zone will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday at the Police Department on 1446 C St.
The City of Los Banos’ Cooling Zone will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Mercy Springs Church of the Nazarene on 1238 Santa Barbara Drive.
The City of Merced’s Cooling Zone will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Merced Civic Center on 678 W. 18th St.
Merced County libraries will also be available as Cooling Zones during normal hours. Please see the attached chart for hours and locations. PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 precautions will be in place at all cooling zones, including social distancing and additional sanitization. For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus or call 209381-1180. The Bus will provide free rides on all existing fixed-routes, and passengers can get off at any designated stop near a Cooling Zone. Due to COVID-19, passengers are asked to wear a mask while riding The Bus and abide by social distancing standards. The public can also take the fixed-route bus back along the route to get home, as service is available. Check the fixed-route schedules on mercedthebus.com for exact times of availability. Transfers may be required. If you have a disability that you think might require transportation on paratransit bus service, passengers may also ride to Cooling Zones for free upon approval. To apply for paratransit service, please call: 1-877-232-7433. Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and keep physical activities to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day. Never leave children, pets or the elderly unattended in a parked vehicle. Keep in contact with friends and family that may be at higher risk of heat illness, including infants and young children as well as older, sick and frail people. Common symptoms of heat-related conditions include profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, dimmed or blurred vision, cold damp skin, extreme tiredness, nausea and hot dry skin. Snacks and drinks provided at cooling zones/cooling centers are provided by PG&E.
Starting May 12th
The County of Fresno is encouraging families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit. Emergency Broadband Benefit enrollment begins May 12, 2021. For qualifying households, the benefit provides:
· Up to $50/month discount for broadband service;
· Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands; and
· A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. Families can apply online at www.GetEmergencyBroadband.org. To learn more, families can visit https://fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit or call (833) 511-0311.
Starting April 5, 2021:
The County of Fresno has been awarded approximately $30 million from the United States Department of Treasury and the California Department of Housing and Community Development for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program for individuals affected by COVID-19. This program will assist renters who have been unable to pay their rent due to the financial impacts of COVID-19. The County is partnering with RH Community Builders to administer the program. Applications will begin to be accepted on Monday, April 5, 2021. Eligible households must reside within the County’s jurisdiction, including county islands within the cities of Fresno and Clovis. Please note the City of Fresno received separate allocations for this purpose, so City residents should contact the City for information about their program. For more information on the Fresno County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, please visit www.fresnorentalhelp.com, email erap@rhcbfresno.com, or call 559-515-4700.
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.
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. For more information call (559) 435-2212 or e-mail rajayoga108@gmail.com.
The Ecological Farming Association stands in solidarity with Asian Americans as they are senselessly being targeted with violence in our country. In modest recognition of the invaluable role they have played in agriculture on the West Coast, we bring to you the 2021 EcoFarm Conference recording of the workshop: “Untold Story: Asian Farmers in California.” It is important to understand history if we are to understand the present and consider the future of who owns land and who is farming the food that we eat. Asians and Asian-American farmers have played and continue to play a significant role in the agriculture sector in California, and yet their contributions are under-recognized, and their voices non-existent or muted with regards to food and farming. This interactive workshop features a panel of California farmers who represent a diversity of Asian ethnicities, ages and gender. The farmers share their stories about how they got into farming and how farming connects with their cultural heritage. Also featured is a mini-exhibition — a collection of historical and modern photos that show the contributions of Asians to farming in California. To view the presentation, go to https://vimeo.com/515867013.
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/.
Fresno Historical Society’s Virtual Time Traveler’s Event
During the Covid-19 pandemic, your FCHS has been working to ensure our students are still connecting to history and social studies lessons! Although their FCHS annual Living History event was not able to be held in 2020, the Society, along with their generous sponsors, is able to provide the School Days experience through an exciting array of online digital curriculum. Twelve immersive and unique lessons will take students on a journey to the America of the 1800s and will share the story of Fresno County in the 19th century though activities, video presentations and connecting with historical figures of the time. To link to this event, go to https://www.valleyhistory.org/time-travelers.
Every weekday from noon to 1 p.m.:
KFCF will be airing Governor Gavin Newsome’s Press briefings.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m.:
KFCF will be airing the County of Fresno’s Corona Virus updates.
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: 509641. 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
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
Though the Fresno Art Museum is currently closed due to COVID, you can view it’s exhibits from home by going to https://mobile.fam.yourcultureconnect.com/language. And its gift shop is now open ONLINE! You can purchase holiday gifts while supporting this local treasure, by going to https://fammuseumstore.shopsettings.com.
Below are links for a series of webinars offered by the Reedley Peace Center on the issue of Immigration:
Qvk - MCC’s work in Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala/El Salvador
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.
COVID 19 Testing Available in Madera:
Madera County has launched a new testing site in the City of Madera at the Madera Fairgrounds as of Wednesday, May 27, 2020. This new site is one of the many testing sites across the state offered through a partnership with OptumServe, the federal government health services business of Optum, a leading health services innovation company. Appointments are now available for symptomatic and asymptomatic adults over the age of 18 and can be made by visiting https://lhi.care/covidtesting. The Fairgrounds site is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday from 7am – 7pm. To watch a video about the free COVID-19 testing now available at Madera Fairgrounds to those with or without symptoms, you can go to https://www.facebook.com/MaderaCountyPublicHealth/videos/2386035735022659/. For more information on testing options in Madera County visit the Madera County Dept. of Public Health testing webpage at https://maderacounty.com/covid19testing.
Fresno Philharmonic and Fresno Art Museum Collaborate to Present World Premiere Performance that was cancelled due to COVID 19. YouTube Live Broadcast of Robert Morris' Landscape Greeting (Video Features Images from FAM Exhibition): The Fresno Philharmonic, in collaboration with the Fresno Art Museum, presents a YouTube Live performance of the world premiere of Robert Morris' Landscape Greeting. Fresno Philharmonic musicians Pamela Ellzey (flute), Laura Porter (harp), Caitlin McSherry (violin), Heather Gardner (viola), Alicja Blanquart (cello), Elisha Wells and Richard Hembree (horns) will perform this atmospheric work, which was scheduled to be performed live at the Fresno Art Museum on March 12 as part of the Philharmonic's Proxima: Music for the Next Century concert. The free concert had been fully rehearsed, but was cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic. For the YouTube Live broadcast, the musicians have each recorded their individual part on video while under shelter in place orders. Fresno Philharmonic Music Director Rei Hotoda, instead of conducting Landscape Greeting as she had planned to do in the live concert, worked with her husband, conductor Brian Dollinger, to edit the musicians' videos into a performance of the entire piece. The video also includes images from the Fresno Art Museum exhibit GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956, which was on display in March and served as inspiration for the composer. The performance is made possible in part by a gift from Orpheus Fresno.
This special performance is available for viewing on the Fresno Philharmonic's YouTube channel by clicking https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7YZOJciK3XSdaYzD88bXg.
The Community Alliance newspaper is online now.
You can see all of their articles here: https://fresnoalliance.com.
Arte Americas: The show at Arte Americas “!Adelante, Artistas y Danzantes!” continues even with the COVID-19 temporary closure and is viewable through their 3D Virtual Tour of the galleries link here: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=7YbMYJCe9in. Enjoy the tour!
Fresno Art Museum: FAM would like to share more from the exhibition GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919 to 1956. To see the exhibit on-line, go to www.fresnoartmuseum.org/exhibitions/current-exhibition/museumsfromhome/. For a video tour of their exhibits, go to: https://munroreview.com/2020/03/21/take-a-tour-of-fresno-art-museums-gifted-in-extended-interview-with-curator-sarah-vargas/.
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.
Free On Line Courses for First Responders and Essential Workers
In support of those who continue to work and provide service to the public during the COVID-19 situation, Fresno State’s Division of Continuing and Global Education will offer three online, professional development courses free of charge for local first responders and essential workers. The online courses are available for essential workers such as teachers, grocery store employees, food service providers or janitorial staff, certified or licensed health care professionals or first responders such as EMTs, paramedics, police, fire, correctional or probation officers. Other essential workers may be considered as well. The three online courses available are:
· Teaching Online: From Surviving to Thriving
· Functional Spanish for Emergency Medical Responders
· Project Management for the Workplace
For information or to register for the free courses, visit https://fresnostate.edu/essentialworkers.
On-Line Learning for Children: David Hunter, a transitional kindergarten (TK) teacher at Ericson Elementary School near Chestnut and Clinton avenues, wanted to increase the connectivity between teachers and students. He knew some parents were overwhelmed with the stay-at-home order and school closures, and he wanted to create a resource his 5-year-old students could navigate themselves. With the help of his fellow TK teachers, he collected a variety of educational videos created by the teachers that aligned with the learning curricula for his students. Students can see their own teachers guiding them in a learning activity. Hunter wanted to create a website where his students could access these videos and navigate their way through the site. As a father himself, he recruited his 13-year-old daughter, Amelie, to build the site. Together, they created the Fresno TK website:
https://sites.google.com/view/fresnotk/home.
Housing for At-Risk Individuals in Madera County:
In response to Governor Newsom’s Project Roomkey, Madera County has formed a partnership to identify at-risk members of our community who need shelter during the pandemic. That partnership consists of Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Community Action Partnership of Madera County (CAPMC), Madera County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), Madera County Department of Social Services (MCDSS), Madera County Department of Corrections, Madera County Road Department, and Love Madera, a non-profit volunteer group. At-Risk clients access this program through referrals from local shelters, healthcare providers, and law enforcement. The information is forwarded to uniformed MCSO, who respond with MCDPH and CAPMC personnel to the potential client’s currently known location. Once in contact with the client, this team determines if the client is exhibiting symptoms, has had contact with a known COVID-19 patient, has proper medical care access and appropriate shelter for possible quarantine and/or isolation. The team also assesses what support services this client may need such as food, housing, childcare, medication, or animal care. Depending upon the client’s ability to meet their own needs and health risk factors, they are placed in local hotels for shelter and other needs are addressed. Once placed within a hotel, Love Madera Volunteers deliver food, provided for by Madera County Department of Corrections. Madera County Social Services facilitates childcare, and medication. Animal care needs are met by Central California Animal Disaster Team. Madera County Department of Public Health facilitates any testing needed. The Madera County Road Department is providing Madera County Connections busses for transport. Hotels participating in this project are doing so under a county contract for services. As contact information for these hotels becomes available, we will provide that. The funds for this program are provided through FEMA Disaster Assistance Funding with the county and state general funds providing the remaining 25%. For more information, call (559) 675-7700.
Starting Now:
Effective today, all County of Fresno parks and campgrounds are open to the public. To protect the health and safety of the entire community and promote social distancing, parks and campgrounds will operate at approximately 50% capacity. The public is asked to limit group gatherings to 10 people or less and wear face masks whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. Play structures and group picnic shelters within the parks and campgrounds will remain closed until further notice. Social distancing guidance signage will be placed throughout the facilities. Parks hours are 7am-10pm.
For additional information please email parks@fresnocountyca.gov or call (559) 600-3004.