Fresno Peace and Social Justice Calendar

Saturday, February 28
9 AM
The Fresno County Democratic Chicano/Latino Caucus celebrated its first anniversary in January. On the 10^th of the month the Executive Board held its first retreat. They brainstormed ideas and set priorities for the next year. On January 31^st the Fresno County Democratic Chicano/Latino Caucus sponsored a candidates forum. Those who participated were Juan Arambula for the 31^st Assembly; Lisa Quigley for the House of Representatives District 20^th.Also in attendance were Henry R. Perea and Sal Quintero candidates for District 3. Present were spokespersons for D. Kucinich, H. Dean, and W. Clark. The Caucus will be participating at the Candidates Fair at Fresno State University on February 23^rd. If you would like to be part of this active progressive Chicano/Latino Caucus, join us at our next general membership meeting on Saturday, February 28^th at 9:00A.M. at Bobby Salazar’s 2839 N. Blackstone , two blocks south of Shields at Princeton. Or visit our web site: www.chicanolatinocaucus.com

Saturday, February 28
2-4 PM
Black History Month event: The Conductor is a musical presentation celebrating the works of Seth Concklin who was a white abolitionist of the 1850's. Seth Concklin worked with the Underground Railroad, which was a secret movement to assist slaves from the South into the North where they could find freedom. There will be poetry, songs, African dancing, African drumming (provided by Drumagic), and readings from Cocnklin's personal letters. Special guest performers will be donating their time to present this celebration of the life of Seth Concklin. Presented during Black History month, this is a very unique show that honors Seth Conclkin who paid the ultimate sacrifice for what he believed in. William Still, the father of the Underground Railroad stated: "In the long list of names who have suffered and died in the cause of freedom, not one, perhaps, could be found whose efforts to redeem poor family slaves were more Christ-like than Seth Conclkin's". Ticket donations: $10 at the Fresno Art Museum (2233 N. First). Sponsored by: American Legion Post #511 Junior Auxiliary Legionettes (559) 288-0222. Produced by: Franklin-Brooks

Tuesday, March 2
Primary election

Tuesday, March 2 
5-7 PM
Wellstone Action launched The Wellstone Civic Dialogue Project, a national reading of Paul Wellstone’s book, Conscience of a Liberal. Join the discussion at CSUF room CSUF, SS209B. Information on obtaining a copy of Conscience of a Liberal and Discussion Guide #1: Can we dream again? (which will be used at the discussion) can be found at www.wellstone.org . For more information contact ruthoj@csufresno.edu

Wednesday, March 3
6 PM 
Middle East Forums presents Leila Farsakh, Visiting professor of History at MIT at CSUF, PB 191. For more information contact ruthoj@csufresno.edu 

Thursday, March 4
1 PM
CSUF Campus Peace & Civil Liberties Coalition meeting at CSUF room USU 311. For more information contact ruthoj@csufresno.edu

March 5, 6, 7, 12, and 13
The Rogue Performance Festival Offers Two Weekends of Deliciously Varied Entertainment. The next time anyone tells you there's no support for the arts in Fresno, just say three words: Rogue Performance Festival. The five-day festival in March will offer over 80 performances of amazingly diverse entertainment. The theme of the Rogue Performance Festival is choice--both for the audience and the performers. For the audience, there's a choice of multiple simultaneous performances from genres as diverse as belly-dancing and found object puppetry, as well as theater, music, film, dance, storytelling and visual art.

For more information visit their web site at www.roguefestival.com Or contact Jaguar Bennett jagbennett@sbcglobal.net (559) 261-4746.

Saturday, March 6
7 PM
"The Importance of Being Oscar" March 6th at 7:00pm and March 7th at 2:00pm. Featuring Vincent Lavery in an entertainment of the life and works of Oscar Wilde. Tickets $10.00; $5.00 for all students and seniors 60+. At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno at 4144 North Millbrook. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Peace Fresno and the UU Church Bldg. Fund. Childcare available when requested 7 days prior to performance. Call 227-6146.

March 8
International Women’s Day

Monday, March 8
11:30AM to 1:30 PM
In celebration of International Women’s Day there will be a program entitled Women’s Spirituality and Leadership. A panel of women from different faiths will discuss how they use their spirituality to help them in their roles of leadership. CSU Fresno USU Room 317. Co-sponsored by Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom, CSUF Women’s Resource Center and Women’s Alliance. For more information contact Vickie Fouts at vmfout1@sti.net or 658-8260.

Tuesday, March 9
6 PM
Do you think you and your community’s auto insurance premiums are too high? Your ZIP Code may be the reason. That's because the insurance industry often decides how much to charge for your auto coverage by putting greater weight on your ZIP code than they do on how well you drive. For example, a woman with 22 years of driving experience and no accidents or traffic violations who moves from Carmel (93923) to Fresno (93727) saw her annual premium with one leading insurance company increase from $1,095 to $1,714 --over $600--for the same coverage, same car, same driving record! You can help end this injustice. Insurance Commissioner Garamendi is holding town hall meetings to get public comment on this practice of ZIP-Code rating. By attending these hearings, you and your organization can tell the Commissioner how ZIP-Code rating affects your lives. With your support we can ensure that the Commissioner will change the way auto insurance premiums are set. The hearing is:

When: Tuesday, March 9, in Fresno, at 6:00 p.m. 
Where: California State University - Fresno, Craig University Business Center, Peters Business Bldg., Room 191, 5245 North Backer Avenue

For more information contact David Fink at david@consumerwatchdog.org or at (310) 392-0522 x 319 or Michelle Rodriguez at mrodriguez@publicadvocates.org or at (415) 431-7430 x 126.

Thursday, March 11
7 PM
The film "Tales of the San Joaquin - A River Journey" will be shown on channel 18 (cable ch 8). This is the film conservative congressman (Nunes and Radanovich) don’t want you to watch. The Fresno Bee reported on February 12 (see story at http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/8115175p_8970827c.html ) that the Congressman believe the film is biased against agri-business and in favor of the rivers restoration. They don’t think the film should have been made with public money. The film is so controversial, in fact, that a premier showing by the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust was cancelled because of political pressure.

Friday, March 12 
5PM and 8 PM 
Fresno Filmworks presents the indie comedy Pieces of April at the Tower Theatre. Tickets are available at the Tower Theatre Box Office, 815 E. Olive Ave., The Movies, 1435 N. Van Ness Ave., the Fig Garden Bookstore in Fig Garden Village, and at the door . Tickets are $9.00; $7.00, for students and seniors. For more information call the FFW info line, 221-0755, or go to www.fresnofilmworks.org.

Monday, March 15
Deadline for articles and calendar items to the April Community Alliance magazine. Send information to AllianceEditor@Comcast.net

Monday, March 15
7 PM
The film "Tales of the San Joaquin - A River Journey" will be shown on channel 18 (cable ch 8). This is the film conservative congressman (Nunes and Radanovich) don’t want you to watch. The Fresno Bee reported on February 12 (see story at http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/8115175p_8970827c.html ) that the Congressman believe the film is biased against agri-business and in favor of the rivers restoration. They don’t think the film should have been made with public money. The film is so controversial, in fact, that a premier showing by the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust was cancelled because of political pressure.

Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Empty Bowls

Wednesday, March 17
7 PM
Whites looking at white privilege, fifth in a series of discussions in which whites will be challenged to examine the benefits received from centuries of racism. Fresno City College room SO-110 Contact Richard Stone to enroll: 266-2559. Contact Gerry Bill for parking permit: 227-2133.

Thursday, March 18
6:30 PM
Central California Criminal Justice Committee will meet at the Sarah McCardle Room of the Downtown Library. Notice it’s Thursday instead of Wednesday this month. CCCJC hopes to have had a presentation to the city council by then. If you haven’t already called your city council member to support the IPA proposal when it’s presented, please do so right away. For more information about the CCCJC go to: http://www.fresnoalliance.com/cccjc/

Saturday March 20
Noon
Global Day of Action in solidarity with the call for a Global Day of Action issued by A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition. March and Rally in downtown Fresno. Meet at the Federal Building ("O" & Mariposa) at NOON for a march. Following the march, a rally will start at 1:00pm in Courthouse Park with live music and speakers. Help get the word out by downloading and printing flyers. For more information go to: www.peacefresno.org

Saturday, March 20
1-10 PM
Expression Not Suppression 2004 A Conference for LGBTQI and Straight Ally Youth Ages 14-23 Pace Academy in Manchester Mall Free workshops, entertainment, dancing, dinner and safe space for LGBTQI and straight ally youth! Come and be a part of Expression Not Suppression 2004! This year's second annual youth empowerment conference sponsored by Gay-Straight Alliance Network in coalition with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte's Destination Out will be held on Saturday, March 20th at the Pace Academy in Manchester Mall. The event drew 100 students last year and promises to be even bigger this year. The conference is aimed at empowering youth through education, networking and community-building, and features an array of workshops including: "Coming Out: The Never-Ending Story", "All About The T in LGBT", "How To Start And Run GSAs", "Queen For A Day: History, Hype And How To Do Drag", "Local Pride History: Know Your Roots" and "Fighting For Your Life: Battling Depression And Suicide" In most cases workshops will be youth-designed and youth-led. Attendance at two workshops gains participants free entrance into dinner and the Expression Not Suppression Show which features performances of spoken word, original music and in drag. The evening concludes at 10om with a dance. This year's conference kicks-off on Friday night the 19th at 8pm with a special showing of the film CAMP at the Tower Theatre. Conference registrants receive a free ticket for this event made possible by Fresno Reel Pride. To see a trailer of this film go to www.ifcfilms.com/camp On-site registration begins at noon on the day of the event, or register on-line at www.gsanetwork.org For more information contact the GSA Network office 453-9040 or diana@gsanetwork.org This is a clean and sober event. Expression Not Suppression 2004 is made possible through the generous support of Fresno Reel Pride, American Friends Service Committee-San Francisco, AFSC-Pan Valley Institute, AFSC-Proyecto Campesino- Visalia, Westcare and the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno/Madera

GSA Network is very grateful for the on-going support of our work by community organizations and individual allies. There are currently 31 GSAs in the central valley and we continue to grow! Thank you for your support that makes events such as these possible.

LATE MARCH
EVENTS TO HONOR THE LIFE OF CESAR CHAVEZ TAKE PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY.

Thursday, March 25
5 - 8 PM
Workers Rights Workshop. "Wage and Hour Enforcement and other workplace codes." Find out about how you can help workers defend their rights against unscrupulous employers. Learn about new changes in the law that will help us enforce the law. Meet others from union, agencies, churches, and community groups who care deeply about workers rights. Free dinner provided. R.S.V.P. by March 19 to 445-0876. Sponsored by the Center for Immigrant and Workers Rights and the Vanguard Foundation.

Thursday, April 1
1:30 PM
CSUF Campus Peace & Civil Liberties Coalition meeting at CSUF room USU 310. For more information contact ruthoj@csufresno.edu

Wednesday, April 14
Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now! will be in Fresno, hosted by KFCF 88.1 FM. There will be an evening presentation. Details are pending. Call (559) 233-2221 for more information

Thursday, April 15
All Day
The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom is organizing the annual Tax Day leafletting to protest the misuse of our tax dollars.

Saturday, April 24
11 AM - 3 PM
Fresno Center for Nonviolence open house at their new location -1584 N. Van Ness, on the south-east corner of McKinley and Van Ness.

Sunday, April 25
To demonstrate overwhelming majority support for a woman's right to choose safe, legal abortion and birth control, the largest pro-choice majority in history will march on Washington on Sunday April 25, 2004. For the first time ever this pro-choice march is a collaborative effort - four leading national women's rights groups have come together to organize this momentous event. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Feminist Majority, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and National Organization for Women are the principal organizers of the March for Women's Lives and have pooled efforts and resources to lay the groundwork.

The march will begin at noon from the Lincoln Memorial, although participants may begin assembling as early as 10 a.m. After marching on Washington, a rally will be held from 1-4 p.m. on the National Mall. Special seating will be available for people with disabilities. The rally program will be signed for the hearing impaired. The route is wheelchair accessible and transportation will be provided for those who cannot negotiate the route.

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte in Fresno proudly supports the March for Women's Lives on April 25, 2004. Locally, they are working on this exciting national event by sponsoring events to educate community members on the march and threats to reproductive freedom at the local, state and national levels and working to send as many people to the march as possible.

Sunday, April 25
Noon till Sundown
5th Annual Fresno Earth Day Festival 2004 will be held at Roeding Park. Live music and speakers on a solar-powered stage, environmental exhibits, a farmers market, children’s environmental education, cuisine from around the world, arts & crafts sales and the return of the Sunset Drum Circle so bring a drum! This is a community sponsored event made possible through the support and efforts of local organizations and green businesses in order to increase awareness about the preservation of our natural resources. Brought to you by the Fresno Earth Day Committee.

For more information visit http://www.fresnoearthday.org

May 2004
May is Bike month, and the third week in May (17-21^st) is bike week. May will also have a Saroyian Ride (to all his old haunts) – details to follow. Sunday May 2^nd is Asthma Day at the Grizzles, and some will ride their bikes –– from the Tower Theatre –– down to the game.

Bike Week will include a bike to school –– bike to work day (Friday May 21^st) too…………..

More details on state wide events at: http://www.bikelink.com/calendar.htm

Saturday, May 1
All Day
International Workers Day commemorates the successful struggle for the eight hour day and honors the working class throughout the world.

Thursday, May 6
1 PM
CSUF Campus Peace & Civil Liberties Coalition meeting at CSUF room USU 311. For more information contact ruthoj@csufresno.edu

Sunday, June 6 (tentative date)
KFCF Intermountain Music Festival

Saturday, June 19 - 21
'Occupied Territory 2004'
This gathering will be in Fresno CA. June 19-21 of 2004. The Space is a Green outdoor space. Workshops are being offered by -Food Not Bombs, Book Collectives, AK Press, Earth First, Mental Health Workshops, Fire Dancing, Panel on Latin American Politics, Reiki, Silk Screening, Book binding and more DIY skills, Bio-Diesel/Veggie Oil Cars, Premaculture, Political Prisoners, Direct Action, Protest, Puppet making, Black Bloc - what’s next?, Radical Cheerleading and soooo much more...if you have something to offer - write occupiedterritory@riseup.net with workshop description in subject!!

For more information go to: http://www.calendar.igc.apc.org/day.cgi?limit=25&state_values=CAMPUS*:fresno

http://www.infoshop.org/

Sunday, July 4
9 AM - 12 Noon
The Interfaith Alliance 4th of July Diversity Celebration Brunch, will be held at O'Neill Park which is located on the north side of Barstow, east of Cedar (on the CSUF campus). There will be food, various kinds of entertainment from many of our diverse groups of people, singing of patriotic songs and an opportunity for all of us to stand proudly among the wonderful assortment of our earth's family of people.

Monday, September 6
Labor Day is the day working families celebrate and rededicate themselves to guaranteeing that every worker has the freedom to form a union without employer interference. We know that: + Union members earn 26 percent more than their nonunion counterparts. + More than 75 percent of union workers have health benefits. Less than half of nonunion workers have health coverage. + Nearly 70 percent of union workers have a pension. Only 14 percent of nonunion workers have one.

+ The 10 states where unions are strongest have higher earnings, better health coverage, less crime, more civic participation, less poverty and better schools than the 10 states where union membership is lowest. That is why more and more of America's workers want union jobs or want a union where they work. More than 42 million nonunion workers say they want to join a union. However, employers often harass and intimidate workers when they join together to form their union. That is wrong, often illegal and most definitely a violation of the human rights of those workers. Independent research shows that, + 25 percent of employers illegally fire at least one worker for union activity during organizing campaigns. + 75 percent of employers hire union-busters to fight union organizing. + 78 percent of employers force employees to attend one-on-one meetings with their own supervisors against the union. + 52 percent of employers threaten to call the Immigration and Naturalization Service during organizing that includes undocumented workers. + 51 percent of companies threaten to close the plant if the union wins the election, however, less than 1 percent ever actually do that.

Saturday, September 11
September 17 - 21 ??????????????????????? (date may change)
REEL Pride 2004, Fresno's 15th International Gay and Lesbian Film festival is proud to announce the addition of a fifth day of programming! Building on the success of last year's four days of films, star appearances, events and receptions, this year's festival promises to offer our audiences even more as we gather to celebrate the very best in gay and lesbian films, documentaries and shorts. For more information call 443-0600 or email reelpride@aol.com Their web site is www.reelpride.com

Friday, October 22
5:30 PM
Demonstration against police brutality will be held in Fresno. Participants are asked to wear black, bring candles and the name of the love one who has been lost to law enforcement/migra/ prison guard violence. For more information contact No Nos Vamos at (559) 498-6033 or defensora@hotmail.com

Wednesday, October 27
6 PM
Take Back The Night is a gathering and march that will be held at the Fresno State Peace Garden. It is an international event that made its first US debut in San Francisco in 1978. Now, it is celebrated all over the US, with the essence of making the night safer for everyone, especially women.

"The purpose of Take Back The Night is to unify women, men, and children in an awareness of violence against women, children, and families," according to Campus Outreach Services, an online resource "on today’s critical gender issues." www.campusoutreachservices.com

During the gathering, there will be speakers with diverse life experiences surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault. There will also be community awareness groups providing information to the college community and the Fresno area. The march, a symbolic act of "taking back the night," will take place after the speakers and candle light vigil that marks a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives due to violence.

An "open mike" session will conclude the event and will offer individuals the opportunity to respond to the issues of violence against women and sexual assault in a comfortable environment of acknowledgment, support, and advocacy. In the weeks prior to the event, the Women’s Alliance will provide the opportunity for individuals to participate in this gathering by designing luminaries, as well as placing ribbons on the Spiral of Healing memorial quilt. The quilt was designed to remember those women who have been victims of violence - - those who survived and those who did not.

Take Back the Night is sponsored by the Women’s Alliance and the Women’s Resource Center. For more information, please call the Fresno State Women’s Resource Center at 278-4435.

Tuesday, November 2
Election Day

Friday, November 26
National Buy Nothing Day. For more information go to: http://adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd

Saturday, December 4
10 AM - 4 PM
A smorgasbord of offerings will be displayed for the community’s perusal at the First Congregational Church in Fresno. WILPF’s annual Community Craft Faire brings talents of locals from across the Valley to one place. Unique and handmade items will be available at various booths along with information about peace and social groups. Best of all, warm soup, fresh bread and desert will be sold to enjoy while you shop. There is no cost to attend and live music will be sure to get anyone in the festive mood. Get a start on holiday shopping without emptying your pockets at the WILPF craft faire.

A silent auction, raffle and other events will be held throughout the day. Come by the "big red church" (First Congregational Church, 2131 N. Van Ness, Fresno) for the annual occasion. The WILPF faire dates back to the late 1960s when the Fresno Chapter was just getting off the ground. It has been held nearly every year since its inception and serves as a social event just as well as a faire.

Friday, December 10
5 PM
El Comite NO NOS VAMOS annual candlelight vigil at the federal building honoring the International declaration of Human rights. Bring candles, poetry, drums, and people to combat the on going human rights abuses in the world and here at home by the United States Government. Call Comite No Nos Vamos at 498-6033 for more information.

Every Tuesday
An ANTI-WAR Demonstration every Tuesday S E corner of White Lane and South H st. Bakersfield California.   For info: call (661)366-9003

Every Tuesday
7 PM
Peace Fresno meets at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence at 985 N Van Ness. If you want to help stop Bush’s endless war against the world - come to this meeting! For an up to the minute listing of all Peace actions in the Fresno area call the Fresno Center for Nonviolence at 559-23PEACE (559-237-3223). For more information about Peace Fresno call 487-2515 or visit their web site at: http://www.peacefresno.org  

Every Friday
9 AM - 5 PM
Stone Soup cultural art store featuring authentic Hmong Cultural Arts is open at 1345 Bulldog Lane in Fresno.  Call (559) 224-7613 or email stonesoupfresno@yahoo.com  for more information

Every Friday
7 PM
Reedley Peace Center, holds it weekly peace meeting at the Fellowship Hall at Reedley's First Mennonite Church 1208 "L" Street, Reedley, Ca ...  Programs very but the focus is always on peace issues local, state,
national, international....the contact is Carol Krahbel 559-637-9098 or email krahbiel@cvip.net .  The meeting is free and open to the public and handicapped accessible...

Every Saturday
1-2 PM
Food Not Bombs feeds the hungry near the Olive Avenue entrance to Roeding Park. The location for cooking on Saturday is at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 1343 East Barstow Ave., between First and Cedar starting at 9AM. They are always in need of servers at the park. For more information call 452-0277 (Dallas). e-mail fresnofnb@yahoo.com . Visit the Food Not Bombs web site at: http://www.fresnoalliance.com/FNB/

Every Saturday
1 PM until the last patient is served
Medical Clinic for the homeless, active injecting drug users and prostitutes. You can find them near the Olive Avenue entrance to Roeding Park.

* Staffed by Dr. Marc Lasher and volunteers.
* Accepting financial donations. Contact: 266-0444

Every Saturday
1-3 PM
Fresno Free Bicycle Repair Clinic. Most Saturdays, 1:00 - 3:00ish. Donations of bicycle parts, inner tubes & blinky lights welcome. Volunteers needed to help with minor repairs. The bicycle clinic is near the Olive Avenue entrance to Roeding Park, beside Food Not Bombs.  For more info and to arrange donations,  fresnofreebikeclinic@yahoo.com

Every Saturday
2 - 3 PM
Peace Bakersfield meets every Saturday at 2:00 pm at the Beale Library in downtown Bakersfield. They will wait for people in the front of the library near the front doors before going inside for the meeting. Everyone is welcome. Your ideas are the basis for our action. Beale Library, 701 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield. For more information call (661) 633-2930

ONGOING MONTHLY ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS

2nd and 4th Sunday of every month
1 PM
South Valley Peace Center meets on every second and fourth Sundays at 1:00 p.m. at the Visalia Friends Meeting House, 17208 Ave. 296, Visalia.  Contact is: David@DavidChandler.com. 

3rd Sunday of every month
1 PM
Humanists of the San Joaquin Valley meet at the Discovery Center, 1197 N. Winery.  For info call June @ 645 1719 or visit their website at http://fresno.humanists.net