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 3/5/21
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)
Please Note: In light of the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of so many public events, we recommend contacting the venue to confirm that any listed event is still scheduled. We will note below any cancellations we are aware of.
For those with children who are out of school during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can go to this site to find out where your children can get free school lunches:
https://www.healthyeating.org/Schools/School-Wellness/School-Feeding-Locations.
Thursday, March 4th through Saturday, March 6th
The Visalia Gleaning Seniors holds their Spring Yard Sale Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 4th, 5th and 6th from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at 28600 Road 156, Visalia
(between Caldwell and Walnut). For more information call Donna Hall at 559-733-5352.
Friday, March 5th
Cineculture is screening “Belly of the Beast.” When an unlikely duo discovers a pattern of illegal sterilizations in women’s prisons, they wage a near-impossible battle against the Department of Corrections — filmed over seven years at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. A link to watch the film online will be available March 1-5 from Cineculture. For the link to view the film, go to https://cineculture.csufresno.edu/.
Friday, March 5th
The Reedley Peace Center will host a Zoom event at 6 p.m. featuring speaker Rev. Karen Crozier, PhD on “Fannie Lou Hamer’s Revolutionary Practical Theology.” Rev. Dr. Karen Crozier's recently-published book on Fannie Lou Hamer provides new insights into the life of a leader in civil rights and human rights in the Jim Crow South. More commonly known for her political activism, Rev. Crozier presents Fannie Lou Hamer as a religious thought leader and practical theologian who disrupted the deep-rooted systems of racial, economic, and environmental injustice. Her book is entitled: Fannie Lou Hamer's Revolutionary Practical Theology: Racial and Environmental Justice Concerns (Brill Publishers, 2020). To participate in this event, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtd-6hrjIoH9UVuVmye2Miu_PaHbTj2O0T.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Saturday, March 6th
Fresno State’s Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.) will host its biggest plant sale of the year from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over 100 varieties of certified organic and conventional vegetables and herbs will be available at socially distanced displays outside the store. Discounted prices will also be available on succulents, perennials and houseplants. All of the plants were raised at the campus horticulture nursery by student staff who can offer plant care tips. Campus honey and ice cream scoops will be on sale at the market, and customers can enjoy fresh citrus, meat, dairy, candy, nut and wine products from the student-run campus farm. For more information, contact Calliope Correia at 559-278-2952 or ccorreia@csufresno.edu, or on the Horticulture nursery Facebook page.
Monday, March 8th
As part of its celebration of Women’s History Month, Fresno State is presenting a lecture on “The Last Queen of Rome: Berenice of Judaea,” a discussion featuring Dr. Honora Chapman, interim dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. Learn more about the most important Jewish woman leader during the Roman imperial rule and how she promoted clemency in the Roman legal system. The lecture is part of the Women Leaders in the Ancient Mediterranean series at noon on Zoom. To register, go to https://fresnostate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqfuuhrjIuGNYM_LJ7mX9k4gU_RdJ_b5xx.
Wednesday, March 10th
CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) is offering a free online workshop on Media Literacy from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In a world full of advertising, social media, streaming platforms, and the accessibility of technology - media is everywhere we look, and it’s constantly feeding us information whether we know it or not. However, simultaneously, we’re also sending messages out into the world every time we send out a tweet, post a photo, or meme. Media literacy is a two-way street, and in this workshop, theyll cover how to navigate through the noise to find reliable information, as well as what responsibility you may have as a producer. … And yes, even on social media. This online workshop is free and open to everyone; a CMAC membership is not required. For information, contact Lisa Talley at lisa@cmac.tv. To register, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsduqtpz0rHt29rEdgkVfurDkEOl8vkh9t.
Thursday, March 11th
A recent Wall Street Journal op-ed ignited debate about the use of the honorific “Dr.” by those who earn doctoral degrees in non-medical areas of study. Author Joseph Epstein said First Lady Dr. Jill Biden should drop the title. As part of Fresno State’s celebration of Women’s History Month, a discussion featuring professors from across several disciplines will revisit this issue in “What Should I Call My Female Professor?” Attendees can learn more about the use of titles in academia in reference to wider histories, cultural contexts and power inequities. Panelists include Dr. Takkara Brunson (Africana Studies), Dr. Cristina Herrera (Chicano and Latin American Studies), Dr. Larissa Mercado-Lopez (Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies), Dr. Jennifer Randles (Sociology), Dr. Aimee Rickman (Child & Family Science), and Dr. Davorn Sisavath (Anthropology; Asian American Studies). This event takes place from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 11 via Zoom. To participate, go to https://fresnostate.zoom.us/j/85003306016?pwd=aVQ2cHEwNC80U2ZxdnNlNkM2QlNudz09#success.
Thursday, March 11th
The Fresno State Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society presents its Inaugural Anti-Racism Film Series and call to action featuring documentary film screenings and discussions with local community organizers on housing, gun violence and policing, and more. Join them for their first event on housing on March 11th starting at 5 p.m. and featuring the films “Sold Out” and “Techos Y Derechos,” and speakers Alex Alvarado and Starry, Faith In The Valley.” For more information, e-mail acrowell@csufresno.edu. To register, go to http://bit.ly/akdfilms2021.
Friday, March 12th
Cineculture invites you to view the film “10 Jours Sans Maman (10 Days with Dad).” When his wife decides to take a vacation and leaves him with the responsibility of their four kids, he knows it will not be easy. But he had underestimated the mess that four mischievous, unsupervised kids can cause. For more information and the link to view the film, go to https://cineculture.csufresno.edu/. The link for this film will be available from March 8th through 12th.
Sunday, March 14th
Join US Women and Cuba Collaboration, WILPF, and US-Cuba Normalization Conference Coalition for “Feminist Solidarity-Celebrating International Women’s Day and the Advancement of Cuban Women,” the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action on Global Women’s Human Rights, featuring Ambassadora Lianys Torres Rivera, first woman to serve as Cuban ambassador to the US, Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, visiting faculty at the Cuba National School of Public Health, poet Isabella Borgeson, Filipina mixed race queer award winning poet, Moderator Cindy Domingo from WILPF, and Nataka Moore from the US Women & Cuba Collaboration. This event takes place at 2 p.m. PT. The Federation of Cuban Women will greet the webinar with a short video message. Register in advance for this Webinar at
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A3ywo6QwQie2B7uWuJUWCQ.
Monday, March 15th
As part of its celebration of Women’s History Month, Fresno State is hosting “Hypatia of Alexandria: Leading Philosopher, Astronomer, Mathematician,” a discussion featuring Dr. Honora Chapman, interim dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. Meet the wisest person in the most cosmopolitan city of the ancient world, and learn how her fate mirrors that of the Roman world in late antiquity, yet also how she lives on today in every classroom. The lecture is part of the Women Leaders in the Ancient Mediterranean series at noon on Zoom. To register, go to https://fresnostate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqfuuhrjIuGNYM_LJ7mX9k4gU_RdJ_b5xx.
Monday, March 15th through Friday, March 19th
The Fresno Art Museum is offering a new Zoom class for aspiring artists: “Beginning Portraiture: Explore the Human Face.” These classes are for ages 13 through adult.
If you took their Formal Elements class this is a great follow-up! One-hour sessions will begin at 3 pm each day, Monday to Friday. Each class includes a presentation
plus hands-on instruction by FAM Art Instructor, Sanking Saephan. The classes are free for Museum members or $25 for the week for non-members. Non-museum members pay online after registering. Once your payment is received, a unique link to join the class will be sent by email. Registration closes 3/12/21. To register, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0odu-tqz4vHtApaKPxKhk5xhu_nUnVz3lh.
Wednesday, March 17th
This month’s Sierra Club Tehipite Chapter General Meeting features the Archaeology of the Sierra National Forest with Jeff Irwin, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Jeff will present a general overview of the archaeology and cultural history of our 1.3 million acre Forest covering several thousand years and leading up to the turn of the 20th century when the Forest was in its formative days. For the last several years Jeff has been the Heritage Program Manager for the Sierra National Forest. He's been a professional archaeologist for about 28 years and has worked in the Southeast, Upper Great Plains, and California.
Visit sierraclub.org/tehipite for details on how to register for this event.
Wednesday, March 17th
CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a free online workshop: “DaVinci Resolve.” Need to edit videos at home, but don't want to pay for editing programs? If that's the case, then DaVinci Resolve may be the perfect solution for you! It is a free editing suite from Blackmagic Design that offers many of the same features as the leading editing programs. In this workshop, we'll go over the basics and how you can make the most of this program. This workshop takes place from 6-8 p.m. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqduisqzIvGdJaajDBi0CTQW9cY_ojmWf_. For more information, contact Lisa Talley at lisa@cmac.tv.
Thursday, March 18th
The 2021 Edmund Janzen Lectureship in Biblical Studies at Fresno Pacific University presents Safwat Marzouk, Ph.D. An Old Testament scholar at the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, IN. Marzouk is an ordained minister in the Nazarene Church. His lecture title is "The Role of Migration, Empathy and Power in Transforming Conflict Role of in the Joseph Story." Register for this free virtual event at fpu.edu/janzen-lectureship-2021http://fpu.edu/janzen-lectureship-2021?fbclid=IwAR34pxks4_3_WkQhyA8YzhB7yditDN5YwaNgFo0FMWSE_WK_kgTm2W7CqOA.
Friday, March 19th
Cineculture invites you to a screening of “Driveways.” Kathy, a single mother, travels with her shy 8-year-old son Cody to Kathy’s late sister’s house, which they plan to clean and sell. Cody develops an unlikely friendship with Del, the Korean War vet and widower who lives next door. A link to watch the film online will be available March 15-19 at https://cineculture.csufresno.edu/.
Friday, March 19th
As part of its celebration of Women’s History Month, Fresno State invites you to “Womxn, Art and Power,” a workshop to explore the personal and collective power of Womxn through art, healing and creative expression. This event is presented by Fresno Barrios Unidos from 4:30-5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Marissa Corpus at marissa_corpus@fresnobarriosunidos.org. For the Zoom link, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86075662231?pwd=TWpITTc2NWNRSXNWSFpFT0RxN3dtUT09#success.
Tuesday, March 23rd
As part of its celebration of Women’s History Month, Fresno State invites you to a presentation by Joyce Antler, “From Sophie Tucker to Sarah Silverman: The Subversive Tradition of Jewish Women’s Comedy.” Joyce Antler is the Samuel J. Lane Professor Emerita of American Jewish History and Culture and Professor Emerita of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Brandeis University. This event is presented by Jewish Studies at 6 p.m. Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For more information, contact Jill Fields at jfields@mail.fresnostate.edu. To register, go to https://fresnostate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErceqqqDsrGtzvgFvqVBiejlg-LlEfXfv3.
Wednesday, March 24th
As part of its celebration of Women’s History Month, Fresno State invites you to “Complications and Complicity: Women, White Supremacy, and Organizing,” with Panelist/discussants Dr. Kathryn Forbes (moderator), Dr. Diane Blair, Dr. Leece Lee-Oliver, and Dr. Loretta Kensinger. This event is sponsored virtually by Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from 11:00-12:15 pm. Event Zoom webinar registration information will be posted soon on the department website. For more information, contact Dr. Loretta Kensinger at lkensing@csufresno.edu.
Wednesday, March 24th
As part of its celebration of Women’s History Month, Fresno State invites you to “Queering Sex Ed,” which explores the history of sex ed and explains the importance of inclusive sex ed presented by KISS and Fresno Barrios Unidos from 2-3 p.m. For more information, contact Marissa Corpus at marissa_corpus@fresnobarriosunidos.org.
Wednesday, March 24th
CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a free online workshop on Screenwriting. Writing a screenplay is more than just formatting words on a page. Join us for a screenwriting workshop where we'll discuss building a three-dimensional character, explore the three-act structure, and deconstruct the eight-step story circle. To best explain these concepts, we'll use examples and writing exercises. Come ready to participate! This workshop is free and open to all. The workshop is from 6-8 p.m. For more information, contact Lisa Talley at lisa@cmac.tv. To register, go to
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZModuCupj0iHtGkFu_Oe-qLUTLpAMPyp-DI.
Wednesday, March 24th
Sisters for Pelvic Health is a local support group and resource page dedicated to spreading hope and encouragement, through knowledge and support, for women living with pelvic pain and associated pelvic pain conditions. They meet virtually every 4th Wednesday. The March 24th event is on Endometriosis and it takes place from 6-7 p.m. RSVP and get the Zoom link by e-mailing sisters4pelvichealth@gmail.com.
Friday, March 26th
Cineculture invites you to a screening of “Les parfums (Perfumes).” Anne Walberg, a feared, temperamental and reclusive “nose,” has fallen from grace but whose skills are still in demand, and her troubled relationship with Guillaume, her new chauffeur also down on his luck with a nasty divorce and an unhappy young daughter. A link to watch the film online will be available March 22-26 at https://cineculture.csufresno.edu/.
Friday, March 26th
The Reedley Peace Center will host a Zoom event at 6 p.m. featuring speaker Weldon Nisly with a Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) Update. For over thirty years, CPT has been working with local peacemaking organizations in areas of conflict around the world. The teams strive to amplify voices, advocate for human rights, and accompany people in places such as Iraq, Palestine, Colombia, and North America. Nisly will talk about the direction of CPT in a pandemic/post-pandemic world. Go to
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0oduisrj4jGtR2KtrVseF1jPgAzv3tIbWK to register in advance for this event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Wednesday, March 31st
CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a free online workshop on Documentary Storytelling. Documentaries are all about delivering big stories in a (relatively) small package. How do you wield all the research, information, interviews, photos, and documents into one streamlined story? The answer isn’t a simple one, but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through organizing the project as well as structuring the overall flow of the story. The workshop is from 6-8 p.m. To register, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvduGupj4vE9OCl__Oth4BKQ1_w4.
For information e-mail lisa@cmac.tv.
Friday, April 16th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Ken Martens Friesen on the 2021 Outlook on Transition to Renewable Energy, starting at 6 p.m. Ken Martens Friesen will discuss with us the potential for a transition to a renewable, carbon-free economy. Ken recently published a book on the topic entitled, Energy, Economics, Ethics." He will look at emerging technologies that have potential to overturn our dependence on fossil fuels and potentially stave off the worst impacts of climate change. Ken is a political science professor at Fresno Pacific University. The Zoom registration link will be provided closer to the date of the event.
Saturday, May 8th
Plan to celebrate Mom on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Kearney Mansion Museum with a traditional Mother’s Day tea party sponsored by the Fresno Historical Society. The planned event is scheduled to be held on the Mansion's veranda with tables well spaced apart. The event offers two seating times for tea at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM and is expected to sell out. In the event that Fresno County is not in Tier 3 by May, this event can be held virtually with beautiful tea boxes packaged for enjoyment at home during an online program. Don't miss this special day. Ticket includes traditional tea service, a tour of Kearney Mansion, passes to view the current exhibition in the new Museum Gallery and a 10% discount coupon for use in the Museum Store. For tickets or more information, go to https://www.valleyhistory.org/mothers-day-tea.
MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:
Starting Now:
The Ecological Farming Association invites you to watch and share the brilliant keynote speech by Dr. Rupa Marya, UCSF physician and founder of the band Rupa and the April Fishes, on “FARMING IS MEDICINE-Transforming our World through Agroecology.” Her talk at this year’s virtual Eco-Farm Conference was riveting, weaving equity in agriculture, health, food, farmers, farm workers and the environment into one whole cloth. With rising temperatures, in the midst of a pandemic, surrounded by wildfires and social breakdown, the ways of interacting that have brought us to this moment are proving unhealthy, unsustainable and gravely dangerous. Drawing on data from the health sciences, history, ecology and soil science, physician, writer and farmer’s wife Dr. Rupa Marya describes how agroecology can serve as the leading edge of transformational practices that can directly heal what ails us. Human health starts in the soil, mediated through the dialogue between the soil and gut with their respective microbiome. How we tend the soil must also reflect how we tend the people who tend the soil, how we tend the water, and how we tend to each other. Boldly articulating the need for a culture of care, she will show how colonialism fundamentally altered key ways of relating that held our health and the health of the planet in balance. Through the impact of decolonizing food and medicine, farmers and farmworkers play a crucial role as the ultimate stewards of our health. Rupa's forthcoming book “Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice" authored with Raj Patel, is available for pre-order. To view the keynote, go to https://vimeo.com/510954814.
Mondays in March:
Join Fresno Barrios Unidos for “Womxn Empowered Youth Group,” a program centering young womxn and gender expansive folks, ages 12-24, as they work to build collective power and make changes in our communities. Presented by Fresno Barrios Unidos from 5-7 pm. To participate, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89793980338#success. For more information, contact Marissa Corpus at marissa_corpus@fresnobarriosunidos.org.
Thursdays in March:
Join Fresno Barrios Unidos for “Xinachtli Youth Program,” an indigenous, rites of passage curriculum for young womxn and gender expansive folks, youth ages 12-24, presented by Fresno Barrios Unidos from 5-7 p.m. To participate, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89793980338#success. For more information, contact Marissa Corpus at marissa_corpus@fresnobarriosunidos.org.
Now through March 31st
Fresno’s African American Historical and Cultural Museum invites you to self-directed virtual, tour presentations featuring the Harlem Renaissance and the "New Negro," presented by executive director, Arthur Fields. Visitors may book virtual tours kick-off from February 1 through March 31, 2021, at www.aahcmsjv.com. The automated virtual tours begin individually for all interested online starting at 5:00 AM, February 8, 2021. As a part of the Black History Month series, people can also rent past Trailblazer awardees over the last few years. Romanticize on a critical time in African American history that created black artists and intellectuals' roots to explore the new meaning of black culture in America. In the annual celebration of Black History Month, Acting Executive Director, Arthur Fields, discusses events leading up to the Harlem Renaissance, which lived from about 1919 through 1930. The exhibit also highlights critical people throughout the period and significant figures through music, art, and literature that redefined today's black excellence. Reach out to Arthur Fields, the executive director, for more information on virtual tours and upcoming events at aahcmsjv@gmail.com or 559-544-1857.
Fresno's beloved Dr. Fitzalbert Marius, who recently passed away, is honored in the virtual tour. Dr. Marius was an artist, doctor, and native to Harlem during the 1920s. He was an integral part of the Central Valley and will be remembered for his joy, laughter, and life.
Wednesday, February 24th through Thursday, May 20th
Spark Tank from Fresno Pacific University offers $25,000 in social enterprise start-up funds. Since 2013 the Spark Tank Social Enterprise Pitch Fest has invested more than $100,000 and helped catalyze more than 50 social businesses solving community problems in Fresno. This ministry of business sponsored by the Fresno Pacific University Center for Community Transformation has attracted churches and conscientious faith entrepreneurs who care about their community. And its back for 2021-anyone with an idea to pitch needs to know the following dates for their opportunity to be part of awards up to $25,000. Relevant dates are as follows:
February 24 | 5:00 p.m. Deadline to Submit to Spark Tank
Proposals to submit at the 2021 Spark Tank are due. This year the application includes a written (see the Social Business Plan Template<https://cctfresno.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Social-Business-Plan-Template-2021.pdf>) and a video portion. Apply at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pEhDxqm5qG-VF9NgDiSntaHRAquFXJUFDOXd-guy_UQ/edit>.
March 27 | Social Enterprise Academy
This social enterprise accelerator will take your social enterprise concept from idea to start-up and from start to scale in just two months. Hosted over four Saturdays-March 27, April 10, April 24, May 8-entrepreneurs will work on community testing, innovating and launching their products/services. Contact Carlos.Huerta@fresno.edu for more information or call 559-453-2374.
May 20 | 3:00-5:00 p.m. Spark Tank
Celebrate with the winners of the 2021 Spark Tank and hear their exciting plans and inspiring models. Register to attend this free, virtual event at cct-2021-spark-tank-tickets.eventbrite.com.
Eligible enterprises must have a financially profitable revenue stream, a strategic social impact goal that can be measured and managed and a plan to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.
Every Saturday, January 30th through March 27th
Centro La Familia is hosting a drive-thru food distribution every Saturday (while supplies last) at 10 a.m. at 302 Fresno Street, suite 102 (entrance on Irwin St.). Please wear a mask and stay in your vehicle. For more information, call (559) 237-2961.
Monday, March 1st through Monday, May 31st
Monday, March 1st through Monday, May 31st
The Center for Creativity and the Arts (CCA) presents Mexican artist Rocío Caballero with her Exhibition “News from the Kingdom of Yuppieland.” The virtual gallery will be open from March 1 to May 31 with an artist reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4, on Zoom. The bilingual multimedia exhibition will be presented in English and Spanish. Proudly "Chintolola,” Caballero is a native of the Tepaneca neighborhood of Azcapotzalco, in Mexico City. Her work over the past 20 years visually tells the anecdotes, history and fables of the brotherhood of gray goblins that inhabit the world of Yuppieland. In this dystopian world, the gray goblins “crush” on men of finance and power with pressed suits in absurd child-like situations. The men feed on the dreams they steal in blind obedience while controlling their subordinates through deception, sleight of hand, masquerades and spells. In creating these characters, Caballero evokes humor as she criticizes power structures. An award-winning artist, Caballero has had 18 solo exhibits in Mexico and the United States, and has participated in group exhibits in Mexico, the United States, South America and Europe. The Zoom link is: https://fresnostate.zoom.us/j/84164021701?pwd=ZUcyT1F3WDYvMS9TS0Z3eDNOdWljdz09#success.
Every Monday, February 15-March 22, 2021:
The Fresno Interfaith Scholarship Weekend 2021 Webinar Series, “Bearing Witness from Fresno’s Mason-Dixon Line,” will be presented as six interfaith conversations every Monday, as they consider what it means to “Bear Witness” to Fresno’s history of racism and redlining. The webinar series takes place on line through Zoom, at 4 p.m. Registration on Eventbrite is coming. All sessions are free and will be recorded. For more information, visit https://interfaithscholar.org.
WEEK 1: OPENING PANEL (90 Minutes), ,oderated by Andrew Fiala, PhD, Director of The Ethics Center, Fresno State University, featuring Guest Scholars:
• Malik Simba, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus of History and Africana Studies, CSUF
• Nathan Hensley, Ph.D, Associate Professor of English, Georgetown University,
• Uziel Jimenez, M.A., Fresno Ethnic Studies Coalition and Sunnyside High School
Each of our three guest scholars has made an important contribution to the study of racism and redlining in Fresno. Speaking from different vantage points, life experiences, and scholarly pursuits, they ask what it means to bear witness, and who gets to tell their story.
WEEKS 2-5: BOOK STUDY (60 Minutes):
Representatives from four faith traditions and respondents take a deep dive into Eddie S. Glaude Jr.’s bestselling book, Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own.
WEEK 6: CLOSING ROUNDTABLE (90 Minutes)
Our three guest scholars return for a powerful discussion with four interfaith speakers on lessons learned and the urgent questions we must ask in order to call forth a new America in our community.
To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interfaith-scholar-weekend-isw-2021-webinar-series-tickets-136715544875.
Spring, 2021
Cineculture’s spring line-up will be virtual this year. As with in-person screenings, viewers will NOT be charged a fee for viewing the films. Unfortunately, in most cases community discussions are not an option. Here’s the Spring line-up:
CINECULTURE LINEUP: Spring 2021
March 1-5 Film Link Available: Belly of the Beast
When an unlikely duo discovers a pattern of illegal sterilizations in women’s prisons, they wage a near impossible battle against the Department of Corrections. Filmed over seven years with extraordinary access and intimate accounts from currently and formerly incarcerated people, Belly of the Beast exposes modern-day eugenics and reproductive injustice in California prisons. The pastoral farmlands surrounding the Central California Women’s Facility, the world’s largest women’s prison, help conceal the reproductive and human rights violations transpiring inside its walls. A courageous woman who was involuntarily sterilized at the facility, teams up with a radical lawyer to stop these violations. They spearhead an investigation that uncovers a series of statewide crimes, primarily targeting women of color, from inadequate access to healthcare to sexual assault to illegal sterilization. Together, with a team of tenacious heroines, both in and out of prison, they take to the courtroom to fight for reparations. But no one believes them. As additional damning evidence is uncovered by the Center for Investigative Reporting, a media frenzy and series of hearings provide hope for some semblance of justice. Yet, doctors and prison officials contend that the procedures were in each person’s best interest and of an overall social benefit. Invoking the weight of the historic stain and legacy of eugenics, Belly of the Beast presents a decade long, infuriating contemporary legal drama. Film website: https://www.bellyofthebeastfilm.com/. Sponsor: Center for Creativity and the Arts
March 8-12 Film Link Available: The Illegal
A gritty, realistic story about a student (Suraj Sharma from Life of Pi) arrives in the U.S. from Darygani, India, ready to seize his dream of attending UCLA’s film school. But that dream quickly turns sour. When his uncle’s family admits they are too poor to house and feed him, they leave him on the street with nowhere to go, testing his core values and integrity forcing him to choose between his family and his dream. He ends up working illegally at an Indian restaurant to survive and the struggle of living inside a system set up for his failure challenges him to look within to find inner strength, overcome obstacles, and never give up. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xODabHmmLbc.
March 15-19 Film Link Available: Driveways
Kathy (Golden Globe Nominee Hong Chau), a single mother, travels with her shy eight-year-old son Cody (newcomer Lucas Jaye) to Kathy’s late sister’s house which they plan to clean and sell. As Kathy realizes how little she knew about her sister, Cody develops an unlikely friendship with Del (Golden Globe, Tony winner and acting legend Brian Dennehy), the Korean War vet and widower who lives next door. Over the course of a summer, and with Del’s encouragement, Cody develops the courage to come out of his shell and, along with his mother and find a new place to call home. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-j1p-U7nKw&feature=youtu.be.
April 5-9 Film Link Available: Coup 53
Coup 53 tells the story of the 1953 Anglo-American coup in Iran that overthrew the democratically elected Prime Minister Mossadegh and reinstalled the Shah. While making a documentary about this event, Iranian director Taghi Amirani and editor Walter Murch (Apocalypse Now, The Conversation, The English Patient) discover extraordinary never seen before archive material hidden for decades. The 16mm footage and documents not only allow the filmmakers to show this pivotal moment in Iran’s past in unprecedented detail, but also lead to explosive revelations about dark secrets buried for 67 years. What begins as a historical documentary about 4 days in August 1953 turns into a live investigation, taking the filmmakers into uncharted cinematic waters. The roots of Iran’s volatile relationship with Britain and America have never been so forensically and dramatically exposed. In Italian, English and Farsi with English subtitles. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSK6wdqo0xY.
April 12-16 Film Link Available: The Last Inhabitant
In an Armenian village, evicted as a result of the Armenian-Azeri conflict, Abgar stays behind all alone in a gradually shrinking enemy ring. He is waiting for his daughter, who became a witness to her husband’s murder by an angry mob and was hospitalized with a mental disorder. An Azeri, named Ibrahim, offers Abgar to work on the construction of a mosque and promises to find his daughter. Ibrahim eventually finds the girl in one of the psychiatric hospitals of Baku and brings her back to her father. Abgar wants to leave the village with his daughter, but his skills as a stonemason are still needed for building that new mosque. Abgar realizes that this work in the Azerbaijani village will be endless and that he is trapped. In Armenian, English, Russian and French with English subtitles. Film website: http://thelastinhabitant.com/. Sponsor: Armenian Studies Program
April 19-23 Film Link Available: Beate
The workers of a factory in Northeastern Italy, which produces lingerie, are about to be fired. Not far away, a handful of nuns, skilled in the art of embroidery and devoted to the Blessed Armida, risk being removed from the beloved convent. To oppose their respective fate, the factory workers and nuns create a "business" outside of societal norms. However, for everything to turn to the best, one almost needs a miracle. A modern social fairy tale narrated with the right irony. A hymn to women, a really funny comedy. In Italian with English subtitles. Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt_9fKyY494.
April 26-30 Film Link Available: A Regular Woman
Based on the tragic “honor killing” of Hatun Aynur Sürücü in 2005, the film A Regular Woman portrays a glimpse of the life of a free-spirited young woman living with an ultra-conservative Turkish Muslim family in Berlin. After escaping a forced marriage in Turkey with her abusive cousin, Hatun provokes the ire of her family by embracing a westernized lifestyle. Enduring constant harassment, she finally leaves her family and tries to survive alone with her child, with whom she had escaped Turkey while pregnant. The threats and harassment continue and the German authorities refuse to do anything unless physical harm takes place. This soon materializes as the family decides to task Hatun’s youngest brother with a deed that would end the family’s “shame,” and thrust the horrific practice of honor killings into the national spotlight. In German and Turkish with English subtitles. Film website: http://corinthfilms.com/films/a-regular-woman/.
May 3-7 Film Link Available: The Guardian of Memory
The Guardian of Memory tells the stories of Mexican men, women, and children seeking safety in the US. El Paso immigration lawyer Carlos Spector fights tirelessly to obtain political asylum for Mexicans fleeing extreme violence. This is the story about the kindness and hope that still exists in people who have endured tremendous suffering. In Spanish and English with English subtitles. Trailer: https://vimeo.com/322529104 Sponsor: Center for Creativity and the Arts. For more information on Cineculture and the spring line-up, go to https://cineculture.csufresno.edu/.
Ongoing
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:
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.
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.