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 5/13/21
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.
Friday, May 14th
County of Fresno residents interested in serving on the County’s Advisory Redistricting Commission are invited to submit their applications prior to the upcoming application deadline of Friday, May 14, 2021. You can apply to participate at https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/home/showpublisheddocument/54273. Every 10 years, local governments use new data from the Census to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. This year, the County formed an 11-person Advisory Commission to recommend boundary changes for supervisorial districts to the Board for possible modification and adoption. Members of the Fresno County community are invited to participate in the decennial redistricting process to make sure district lines respect neighborhoods, history and geographical elements. Each commissioner selected to serve the County of Fresno must be a resident of the County. Residents with family relationships with those who have been elected to, appointed to or a candidate for an elective office may not serve on the Commission. To see a full list of commissioner qualifications, see the County’s resolution at https://fresnocounty.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4919043&GUID=502F02E3-3EBB-4B79-AD1A-705B92892205&Options=&Search=. With the redistricting process moving forward, the County has launched a dedicated redistricting webpage, which will include details on future public hearings, mapping opportunities, FAQs and more. Go to https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/resources/redistricting.
Saturday, May 15th
There will be a rally In Solidarity with Palestinians and for the End US Military Aid to Israel, from 6:30 – 8 pm at the corner of Blackstone and Nees, sponsored by Peace Fresno, and co-sponsored by the Palestine Freedom Project, Local Palestinian Community, Fresno Center for Nonviolence, Veterans For Peace-Fresno Chapter , Reedley Peace Center, and World Beyond War. Check this valuable resource on Israil/Palestine https://israelpalestinenews.org. They will follow CDC guidelines for masks and social distancing. Bring your own signs, or Peace Fresno will provide them. For more information contact camille.russell@peacefresno.org.
Saturday, May 15th
Fresno Oral Surgery invites you to their virtual Academic Advantage event. If you’re considering a career in the medical field, join them for this FREE online event. They’ll have a panel of medical professionals to provide insight into different specialties and discuss how to be successful in college and beyond. Plus, you could receive a scholarship or one of our other prizes! The link to the webinar can be found at https://fresnooralsurgery.com/academicadvantage. It takes place at 9 a.m.
Saturday, May 15th
Nalchajian Orthodontics is teaming up with its 2020 EMPOWER Kindness Ambassador, Isabella, and Beautify Fresno for a cleanup event at Logan Park. This event will focus on cleaning up the area in and around Logan Park. Volunteers will meet at Logan Park at 8:45 AM to sign in and receive orientation. Beautify Fresno will provide safety vests, paper pickers, gloves, trash bags, and snacks. Students, parents, and the community are all invited. In an effort to keep everyone safe, Beautify Fresno will follow all health and safety protocols from the CDC and the Fresno County Department of Public Health. Nalchajian Orthodontics will provide donuts and swag for volunteers! The event is from 9-11 a.m. at Logan Park, 5450 N Santa Fe Ave. in Fresno.
Saturday, May 15th
Visalia Gleaning Seniors Yard Sale takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at 28600 Rd 156, Visalia (between Tulare and Caldwell). For more information call Donna Hall, Office Manager, at (559) 733-5352.
Sunday, May 16th
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization invites you to a Meditation For World Peace and Harmony, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Zoom. The meeting ID is 964 8668 0865, and the password is 330168. Embracing our qualities of compassion and nurturing, let us send vibrations of healing, peace, and love to all souls of our world. BK Sister Hema, Co-Coordinator of Anubhuti Meditation & Retreat Center, will lead and guide us in this hour of meditation. Sister Hema has been a teacher of Raja Yoga since 1981, and has served in Dubai, the U.K., in Los Angeles, and now in Novato, at the Anubhuti Retreat Center, since 2004. They invite you to join them in this very heart-warming experience, for yourself, as well as for us to give to our world. For more information, e-mail rajayoga108@gmail.com or call (559) 435-221.
Tuesday, May 18th
There will be a candlelight vigil and peaceful protest for Palestine, starting at 7 p.m. at the corner of Blackstone and Nees, Fresno. This event is hosted by Reza Nekumanesh, Sarah N Rashid and Zena Chafi. Join then as they raise their voices and prayers against the injustice and brutal treatment of the Palestinian people. You’re asked to wear a mask for safety.
Wednesday, May 19th
The Sierra Club Tehipite Chapter invites you to join them and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) at 7 p.m. for "Wild Utah: America's Redrock Wilderness." Register at https://www.sierraclub.org/tehipite. Advance registration is required; the Zoom link is sent the day of the event. Travis Hammill, Eastern Grassroots Organizer for SUWA, will show a short film followed by a presentation featuring images of Utah’s redrock wilderness areas. Travis will also discuss the current legislative issues that face the wilderness movement in Utah and what citizens across the United States can do to affect change for these valuable places.
Friday, May 21st
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Carrie Koplinka-Loehr on “Our Changing Menu: Climate Change and the Foods We Love and Need.” Whether you’re a home cook or a master chef, backyard gardener or professional grower, the yields, flavors, nutritional content, and cost of what you eat are already being impacted by climate change. Carrie Koplinka-Loehr (Cornell University) will unpack the increasingly complex relationship between our diet and the changing climate, giving insight into the problem and potential solutions to it. Koplinka-Loehr, Michael Hoffman, and Danielle Eiseman (all of Cornell University) co-authored Our Changing Menu: Climate Change and the Foods We Love and Need (Cornell University Press, 2021), a book that celebrates the power of food and tackles one of the greatest challenges of our time. Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApcu6prDIoGNF81wJ15R8WsX1rLHmaDlfy to register in advance for this event. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Sunday, May 23rd
CMAC (the Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to the second annual Youth Voices premiere event! For the last 14 weeks, CMAC’s cohort of youth leaders have been training in documentary filmmaking. Each young person has created their very own documentary on issues that matter to them. Catch the premiere live stream on May 23 at 1 p.m. Only on CMAC! To register, go to https://cmac.tv/youth-voices-live-stream-event/.
Wednesday, June 2nd
CMAC (the Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a free on-line workshop on Editing with iMovie. Big things come in small packages. Don’t let iMovie fool you, this introductory editing app packs quite a punch and is proof that the video editing process need not always be overly complicated. We’ll show you how to get started with iMovie and how you can maximize its potential for your next or very first edit! This free workshop takes place from 6-8 p.m. The link to register is at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArcuusrz4pHNApIXW9MBr48HWj-VqUTAJO. For more information, contact Lisa Talley at lisa@cmac.tv.
Thursday, June 3rd
There will be a Book Presentation on “Remembering Violence” with Author Robin Maria DeLugan, at 6 p.m. Register for free on-line at bit.ly/mmc-delugan. In her book “Remembering Violence: How Nations Grapple with their Difficult Pasts,” she explores how museums, monuments and commemorations in El Salvador, Spain, and the Dominican Republic are bringing new attention to 1930’s violence that is linked to 20th century dictatorship and authoritarianism. Because the violence was based on exclusions of race and ethnicity that still define the nations today, she argues that the focus on historical memory is an attempt to confront and also transform the meaning of national belonging. What lessons can we draw from these case studies that apply to the Central Valley, California, and the United States?
Friday, June 4th through Sunday, June 6th
Sign up for World Beyond War's virtual international conference Friday, June 4 - Sunday, June 6. The global war business is rolling on despite environmental crises and disease pandemics. But important victories are being won for peace in various corners of the globe. We need a global virtual gathering, so we can share with each other what's working and what isn't, so we can get organized and energized for the work ahead. #NoWar2021 is happening from June 4th to June 6th, and it's not too late to sign up. This won't be a webinar. This will be a virtual conference, with workshops to attend, booths to visit, gatherings to organize or take part in, and the means to meet and chat one-on-one with new people in the virtual hallways. The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can begin familiarizing yourself with the tools we'll be using to make this all work. Already people have signed up to take part from Australia, Bolivia, Belgium, Colombia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Iraq, Iran, Italy, India, Japan, Montenegro, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Philippines, Spain, Ukraine, UK, and U.S. To register, or for more information, go to https://nowar2021.worldbeyondwar.org/?link_id=1&can_id=10d2f505b7f6465e2f66f9eb87230679&source=email-global-gathering-for-peace-nowar2021&email_referrer=email_1172966&email_subject=global-gathering-for-peace-nowar2021.
Saturday, June 26th
This year’s Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee invites you to place your order now for a delicious box of locally grown organic stone fruit. While we still cannot gather in-person for the Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee again this year, the pandemic will not stop fruit trees in the Central Valley from producing sweet and delicious fruit. Order organic stone fruit for pick-up in several locations in California's Central Valley on Saturday, June 26. Each $20 ~5 lb box contains a variety of white and yellow peaches, white and yellow nectarines, plums, pluots, and, if available, apricots. Don't wait to order, this fruit is worth the trip and a great way to support Central Valley organic farmers. The deadline for ordering your box is June 21st. To order and for more information, go to https://fruitjubilee.com/.
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.
MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:
Friday, May 7th through Saturday, May 15th
Fresno State University Theatre presents its fifth virtual production of the 2020-21 mainstage season, “The Agony of Ecstasy,” written by Sabina Berman, translated by Adam Versenyí and directed by Gina Sandí-Díaz. “The Agony of Ecstasy” will stream online at 7:30 p.m. May 7 and 8 and May 11 through 15. A matinee performance stream at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 9, and will be followed by a 3:30 p.m. talkback with the translator, Adam Versenyí. Talkback registration is free at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemeuGTVCkOA29ic2qRpcMopmFohQn6ns4ZLOVz41dJ61U-mg/viewform. Streaming access for all performances is $15 general admission and $10 for students, at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/51851. “The Agony of Ecstasy” is a compilation of four short plays exploring the performative aspects of gender norms and the power struggle at the heart of human relationships. “The Moustache” introduces us to a couple who struggles to accept their true selves and has resorted to using a fake mustache to “perform” gender in public. “The Love Nest” explores the toxic patriarchal construct of femininity in the triad of virgin, mother and whore. “The Pistol” is about a married couple that fights over the control of a pistol the husband brought home for protection — or is there an ulterior motive? In “Teeth,” a sadistic dentist and his nurse terrorize a client, although she could be hallucinating. This production delivers punch after punch in a rollercoaster of emotion and passion. For more information, contact the box office at 559-278-7512 or universitytheatre@csufresno.edu.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, April 2nd through Friday, May 14th
Fresno Filmworks proudly presents the virtual cinema engagement for the 2021 Oscar-Nominated Short Films. For the 16th consecutive year, ShortsTV and Magnolia Pictures present the Oscar-Nominated Short Films, opening on April 2 and running through May 14. With all three categories offered – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your annual chance to predict the winners (and have the edge in your Oscar pool)! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place Sunday, April 25. Tickets cost $12 for each program or $30 for a bundle of all three programs. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.fresnofilmworks.org.
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!
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
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
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.
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:
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.