Fresno Peace and Social Justice calendar

Wednesday, January 4
6 PM
South Fresno Cohousing will meet. They will be discussing plans for developing a membership policy. So this is a particularly important meeting. They will meet again at the Pinedale community center, which is located at 7170 N. San Pablo. To get there from Freeway 41, turn west onto Herndon. Then turn right (north) onto Blackstone. Then turn left (west) onto Spruce Ave. Then turn left (south) onto San Pablo. Turn into the first parking lot on the left. The community center is the building to the north.

Wednesday, January 4
7 PM
The Central Valley Progressive PAC will hold a special meeting to analyze the 2006 elections. CVPPAC members are invited to join a discussion about where to focus resources in 2006. The discussion will primarily look at the Fresno City Council, Fresno County Board of Supervisors, and Fresno Unified School Board races. The group will also discuss building alliances with other progressive groups who are working on local electoral campaigns, how the CVPPAC will relate to state and federal races, and other local races - Sheriff, Clovis City Council races, and initiatives like an Independent Police Auditor or switching the FUSD election from "at large" to district race. If you would like to attend this meeting you need to be a member of the CVPPAC. You can join the CVPPAC by going to: www.cvppac.org .

Thursday, January 5
2 - 4 PM
The next planning meeting for the 2006 City of Fresno HIV/AIDS Awareness Day which is also to include the 2006 Fresno Extravaganza, AIDS benefit fashion show. If your organization or group is interested in being involved, please send a representative to the meeting. For more information, contact: CHAANGE/San Joaquin Valley (559) 268-1969

Thursday, January 5
5 - 8 PM
ArtHop @ Gallery 25
660 Van Ness (& Mono)
264-4092

ArtHop on Thursday, January 5, 2006, from 5- 8pm @ Gallery 25. Hamlet Lung -The Proletarian Collection. Artist and shoemaker, Armando H Torres' solo exhibition of digital photography opens Thursday, January 5th for ArtHop and runs until January 29th, with artist reception on Sunday, January 8 from 2- 5pm. In our current capitalist democracy, it is easy to state that a work of art is a commodity. It is much more difficult to determine which commodities are works of art. Every ruling class creates its own art, and consequently its own culture. History shows that the formation of a new culture which centers around a ruling class demands considerable time and reaches completion only at the period preceding the political decadence of that class.

So the question is, does the Proletariat have enough time to create art in the twenty_first century? Gallery 25 is located at 660 Van Ness Avenue at Mono, Fresno. (559) 264-4092. email: aht_gto@yahoo.com or http://www.myspace.com/hamletlung

Thursday, January 5
6 PM
The Interfaith Alliance of Central California will sponsor an keynote address by the Reverend Dr. Welton Gaddy, director of the national Interfaith Alliance at the Fresno Islamic Cultural Center on Thursday, January 5, 2006 at 6pm as part of their Annual Meeting, The public is invited to consider with Rev. Gaddy "The Heart of Interfaith Work—What lies ahead for our Nation?" The event will begin with a Vegetarian Dinner at 6 pm provided by the IACC. Rev. Gaddy’s presentation will start at 7:00 pm, followed by a question and answer session.

In addition to being a prolific writer, Dr. Gaddy provides regular commentary to the national media on issues relating to religion and politics. Some of his appearances include CNN Presents: The Fight Over Faith; PBS’s NOW with Bill Moyers; PBS Frontline’s The Jesus Factor; PBS's The Newshour with Jim Lehrer; NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw; CBS Evening News with Dan Rather; ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings; numerous National Public Radio stations including KQED’s Forum in San Francisco and KCRW’s The Politics of Culture in Los Angeles. While ministering to churches with a message of inclusion, Dr. Gaddy emerged as a leader among progressive and moderate Baptists.

The Interfaith Alliance is a grassroots organization drawing from more than 75 different religious traditions or beliefs with 47 local alliances in 38 states. Dedicated to promoting mutual respect, cooperation and civility, The Interfaith Alliance strives to promote religion as a positive and healing force in the life of the nation. The Interfaith Alliance of Central California seeks to bring a genuine interfaith voice grounded in compassion, justice and civility to public discussion.

The Fresno IACC chapter’s Core Values include:

Affirming religious pluralism and celebrating differences
Protecting minority rights
Separation of church and State
Civility in political debate

Interfaith religious leaders of the Central Valley welcome the public to join in the work of the Interfaith Alliance, and to meet the Rev. Welton Gaddy and hear his powerful message for religious diversity and respect. The public is invited at 6pm to the Islamic Cultural Center, 2111 East Nees (between Maple and Chestnut).

Friday, January 6
6:30 - 8:30 PM
The Reedley Peace Center presents the Documentary: Plan Colombia: Cashing-In on the Drug War Failure. 20 years of US "war-on-drugs" in Colombia, paid for by US tax-payers. Still, more and more drugs and narco-dollars are entering the US every year. Is it a mere failure by Washington? Or is it a smokescreen to secure Colombia’s oil and natural resources instead?

Light potluck at 6:30. Program begins at 7 pm. This event is sponsored by the Reedley Peace Center and will not be held in the Fellowship Hall of First Mennonite Church, on 'L' street between 12th and 13th streets in Reedley. . Instead it will be held in rooms 7 and 8 of the Education Wing (adjacent to the alley) of the church. Instead of a meal, we will have a dessert only buffet. Admission is free. Contact Don Friesen by email at dfriesen@telis.org

Saturday, January 7
Tentative
Peace Fresno forum to stop the war in Iraq. For more information call 559-487-2515 or email president@peacefresno.org . The Peace Fresno website is: www.peacefresno.org

Saturday January 7
8 PM
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
"Superluckycatz"
jazz/rock/soul
$5.cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559 264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Sunday, January 8
3 PM
Fresno Stonewall Democrats will meet at Democrats in Action 255 N. Fulton Suite #104 in Fresno. This is a new meeting location and a special time for this month due to the New Year's day holiday falling on our meeting day. Our speaker will be Ginny Terrell, area-vice President of the California Democratic Council. We will also be discussing our plans to facilitate a conference to establish a GLBT community center in Fresno. Come and get involved and meet interesting people in your community. Fresno Stonewall Democrats represents the interests of the LGBT community in Fresno and surrounding areas. For more information contact Chuck Krugman by email at ckrugman@sbcglobal.net or by phone at (559)226-3717.

Monday, January 9
5:30 PM
Tune to channel 49 (cable channel 9) for TV Worth Watching—"Interview with Dr. Joel Beinin: Talk @ CSUF: Q & A on the situation in the Middle East." Mr. Beinin spoke at CSUF in November 2005 on the subject of: The War on Terror and the Failure of the Palestinian_Israeli Peace Process. This program will be repeated on Wednesday, January 11, at 8:30 PM.

Tuesday, January 10
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Fresno County Youth Summit. The Fresno County Youth Service Council is planning the 6th Annual Fresno County Youth Summit to empower youth to take responsibility for themselves and their schools. It will be held at Fresno Pacific University Gym. There is no charge and lunch is provided. The Council selected the theme of Respect: Safe Schools and Cultural Unity. They want to identify strategies for youth leaders to address bullying, racism, and gangs, with service projects to change the climate of their schools.

What positive initiatives are Fresno youth engaged in to prevent violence and promote multicultural understanding? What opportunities and resources are available to engage thousands more youth in these projects?

Teams of 5-10 students and an advisor from Fresno County secondary schools and community organizations will:

1. Explore opportunities and resources at a Youth Service Fair (8:30-9:20)
2. Hear dynamic speakers challenging them to be responsible and engaged
3. Engage in leadership activities led by Youth Service Council members
4. Dialogue causes, current initiatives and opportunities to address:

! Bullying ! Cultural conflict ! Violence ! Obstacles to youth success

5. Create action plans to engage students in service projects to address these

To register, the Team advisor should email John Minkler at jminkler@fcoe.k12.ca.us Provide contact information (phone & address) and name of school/organization The Fresno County Youth Service Council is sponsored by the Fresno County Office of Education, Fresno Unified School District and Central Unified School District.

For more information contact John Minkler, Coordinator, Fresno County office of Education 497-3728, jminkler@fcoe.k12.ca.us

Wednesday, January 11
12 Noon - 1:30 PM
Fresno Metro Ministry Community Hunger & Nutrition

Forum, "The State of the Plate 2006"
At Trinity Lutheran Church. RSVP to 485-1416

Wednesday, January 11
12 Noon & 7:30 PM
The Fresno Center for Nonviolence presents the Made-for-TV movie "Redemption," the Stan "Tookie" Williams story, starring Jamie Foxx. A discussion will follow the 7:30 PM showing. This show is a part of the Second Wednesday Video Series sponsored by the Fresno Center for Nonviolence. The FCNV is located at 1584 N Van Ness. For more information call (559) 237-3223.

Wednesday, January 11
3 PM
Stir it Up on KFCF 88.1 FM. Gerry Bill will talk about his recent 'round-the-world Sabbatical visiting Muslim nations. Richard Stone is the host.

Thursday, January 12
11 AM - 12:30 PM
This calendar item is from a group of non-profit community leaders who are interested in improving the quality of life for our children and youth in our community.

We realize that there are many non-profits doing good work in our community. Toward that end, we know there is value in taking the time to reexamine and self-assess our roles, as community-engaged people and/or agencies. We all want to be as effective and successful as we possibly can. However, there are some real networking challenges we face; one being a feeling of disconnect among non-profits in our community. As a result of this disconnect, we may be missing collaboration which will make us all more effective and would strengthen our "fundability".

So, in an effort to strengthen collaboration and networking, we invite anyone and everyone interested in being a part of this collaborative effort: If you are interested in improving the lives of children and youth, please join us for a Brown Bag Brainstorming session at United Way Jan 12, 2006 at 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Again, this is an ALL CALL for all those interested in sustaining a youth initiative for our community, please RSVP by January 6, 2006 to sflores@unitedwayfresno.org or call at 243-3669.

Sandra R. Flores United Way of Fresno County
4949 E. Kings Canyon Road
Fresno, CA 93727
Office: 559.243.3669 Fax: 559.228.8159
sflores@unitedwayfresno.org www.unitedwayfresno.org

Friday, January 13
10:30 - 11:30 AM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Garlanding Ceremony will be held at the Fresno County Courthouse Park, (1100 Van Ness Avenue), at the statue of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Please bring flowers. Keynote speaker is Michael Hanson. Contact: Gail Gaston (559) 681-3140 or Dr. Sudharshan Kapoor (559) 435-2212.

Friday, January 13
5 PM and 8 PM
Fresno Filmworks presents "Paradise Now" at the Tower Theatre. Winner of the Amnesty International Award at the Berlin Film Festival, the controversial new work from Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad about two suicide bombers from the West Bank is a powerful plea for peace and understanding. Tickets can be purchased 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, for $10; $8, for students and seniors. For more information call the FFW info line, 221-0755, or go to www.fresnofilmworks.org

Friday, January 13
Reception to begin at 5:30 PM
Program will begin at 6:30 PM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening Reception and Awards Presentation: Fresno City Hall, 2nd Floor Lobby & Council Chambers, 2600 Fresno Street. Contact: Dr. Jean Kennedy (559) 270_1023 or Julia Dudley (559) 457_2780.

Friday, January 13
6:30 - 8:30 PM
The Reedley Peace Center presents Speaker: Elijah Penner, peace worker with Mennonite Central Committee in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. On the Street Where I Live: Stories of ordinary Cambodian peoples.

Light potluck at 6:30. Program begins at 7 pm. This event is sponsored by the Reedley Peace Center and will be held at the Fellowship Hall of First Mennonite Church, on 'L' street between 12th and 13th streets in Reedley. Admission is free. Contact Don Friesen by email at dfriesen@telis.org

Saturday, January 14
8 - 9 AM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building (Independence Room), 453 Hughes Avenue (corner of 5th Street & Hughes Ave.), Clovis. Members of the Community are invited to enjoy a delicious breakfast while listening to various community leaders. Cost for the breakfast is $5.00 per person. Contact: Caroline Carlson (559) 324-2416.

Saturday, January 14
1 PM
Food Not Bombs will be celebrating its tenth anniversary at Roeding Park with cake and cookies, coffee, water and tea. Information 559 438-4088

Saturday, January 14
3:30 PM
The Central Valley Progressive PAC meets to review its information , the concerns of its members and friends to begin to decide the next steps to be taken to change the focus of the politics in Fresno. Members and friends are welcome. The meetings are held at the Center for Non Violence at 1584 N. Van Ness ( at Mc Kinley) For information www.cvppac.org

Saturday January 14
8 PM
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
$5. cover
"The NoTones"
Soulful with a Reggae vibe
8:00pm $5. cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559 264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Sunday, January 15
1 PM
Sydney Story, Speaker "Humanists are not the only skeptics: Skepticism and belief in other Cultures" at the Humanists of the San Joaquin Valley meeting. The meeting will take place in Room 1 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, 4144 N Millbrook. For info call June at (559) 645–1719, or visit their Web site at www.fresno.humanists.net

Sunday, January 15
5:30 - 6:30 PM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Vigil at the Fresno City Hall Fountain, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno. Candlelight Vigil to be held in commemoration of the Reverend Dr. King.

Monday, January 16
10 AM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Food Drive to End Childhood Hunger in Fresno.

Marchers will assemble at St. John's Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa Ave. at 9:30 a.m. A "Mountain of Food" to end childhood hunger will be collected at the church. The March will take place from St. John's to City Hall, then to the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium. The March will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Contact: Enrique Reade (559) 940_2159 or James Lett III (559) 284_6420

Monday, January 16
11 AM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program Memorial Auditorium, Fresno Street between N and O Streets (across from the Fresno Water Tower). An inspiring and enjoyable program will be hosted by the City of Fresno's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity

Committee. Contact: Ed C. Bailey (559) 304-5772

Monday, January 16
5:30 PM
TV Worth Watching - Interview with Michael Parenti: "Empire vs Democracy" will be on channel 49 (cable ch 9). This program will be repeated on Wednesday, January 18 at 8:30 PM.

Tuesday, January 17
9 AM
Court Support for Joe Fortt who is in jail on medical marijuana charges (see the January issue of the Community Alliance for details). Status hearing at 9:00am before Judge Anthony W. Ishii in U.S. District Court, 5th Floor, 1130 O Street, Fresno, CA, 93721. Check "Court Calendar" for Judge Ishii at: http://www.caed.uscourts.gov within days of court date for exact order on calendar. Call 559-273-4037 for more information.

For Court Support updates, see "Upcoming Court Dates" from Americans for Safe Access at: http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=354

Wednesday, January 18
7 - 9:30 PM
The Great Oxford debate - place tba; The motion before the house will be; 'intelligent design versus evolution. If we cannot find panel members to fill this topic the format will be a conversation involving three panel members and the audience sitting in a circle discussing the following topic; 'the US political system is bankrupt.' please call Vincent Lavery (559) 455-0821 if you wish to be part of either panel.

Wednesday, January 18
7 PM
"Wild Utah: America’s Redrock Wilderness" slideshow from the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance will be shown at the Sierra Club Tehipite Chapter meeting at the University of California Center, 550 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno.

Thursday, January 19
6:30 to 9:30 PM
Progressive Thursday presents The Future of Food. This documentary presents an in-depth investigation into the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled U.S. grocery store shelves for the past decade. The video will be presented at Round Table Pizza, 5763 N. First St., Fresno. Buy your favorite entree and join us for dinner; doors open at 6:30 PM, video begins at 7:00 PM. A discussion will follow after the film. Progressive Thursday is hosted by the GROW working group of the Fresno County Green Party and is a free, wheelchair accessible event open to anyone interested in discussing topics of interest to the progressive community. For more information contact Larry Mullen at (559) 227-0293 or Leah Haymond at (559) 906-9702.

Thursday, January 19
7 - 9 PM
Water Realities: Privatization? The program will include a showing of part of the video Thirst and a discussion with Diane Parks, member of the Citizens Coalition at Stockton. Find out how Stockton lost their water to an English company and then to a German one. Monterey is also privatized and can’t break the contract. How do we protect ourselves from privatization? The program will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church 4144 N Millbrook. It is sponsored by the UU church and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. For more information call Bette Noblett at (559) 439-1316 or Lydia Flores at (559) 435-7360

Thursday, January 19
7:30 PM
JOHN McCUTCHEON: Fresno Art Museum. $20. "John McCutcheon is not only one of the best musicians in the USA, but also a great singer_songwriter, and a song leader." __Pete Seeger Fresno folks are great fans of John McCutcheon. With over 22 cds to his credit and his "Mail Myself to You" a U.S. Post Office hit, we expect a sell out. www.folkmusic.com

Thursday January 19
8 PM
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
"The Inner Ear Poetry Jam"
$3. cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559 264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Friday, January 20
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Music Night at the Peace Center.
Light potluck at 6:30. Program begins at 7 pm. This event is sponsored by the Reedley Peace Center and will be held at the Fellowship Hall of First Mennonite Church, on 'L' street between 12th and 13th streets in Reedley. Admission is free. Contact Don Friesen by email at dfriesen@telis.org

Sunday, January 22
6:30 PM
KFCF 88.1 FM. Mike Beevers will interview nationally known FBI whistleblower Sibel Edmonds. She has a fascinating story at the heart of the 9/11 debacle. She has been gagged by the Justice Department. Find out what she can tell us.

Monday, January 23
4 PM
Wildlife Rescue

Fig Garden Regional Library, 438-4071 Fresno Wildlife Rehabilitation will talk about how they rescue endangered animals. Docents will bring in birds of prey to view.

Monday, January 23
7 PM
Open Discussion:"What can we learn from the Third World?" at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence. Center Board Members Gerry Bill and Richard Stone both spent time in "the third world" this past year. They invite interested others to join them in discussing what is different there, and what their way of life can teach. The FCNV is located at 1584 N Van Ness. For more information call (559) 237-3223.

Wednesday, January 25
10 AM - 2 PM
Fresno Metro Ministry: Regional Summer Lunch Summit, Trinity Lutheran Church. For more information call (559) 485_1416

Thursday, January 26 - Saturday, June 28
Solar_electric class by Phil Erro at Fresno Adult School
6-8 PM Thursday January 26 and Friday January 27 – classroom presentation
8AM – Noon Saturday January 28 field trip
Reduce or eliminate your PG&E electric bill.
Enjoy your own clean power.

-Mark your calendar now.

-For details call Sherry McClelland at (559)457_6015 or email at sherry@fresnoadultschool.com

After December 15th you can check the web site at www.fresnoadultschool.com , click Community Education link, then click Home Improvement

Friday, January 27
6:30 - 8:30 PM
The Reedley Peace Center presents Speaker: Audrey Hindes, teacher of Religious and Biblical Studies at Fresno Pacific University. Fair Trade and Beyond: a close look at food production.

Light potluck at 6:30. Program begins at 7 pm. This event is sponsored by the Reedley Peace Center and will be held at the Fellowship Hall of First Mennonite Church, on 'L' street between 12th and 13th streets in Reedley. Admission is free. Contact Don Friesen by email at dfriesen@telis.org

Saturday January 28
8 PM
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
"Belly Dancing with Cory Zamora & Friends"
8:00pm $5. cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559 264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Monday, January 30
7 PM
The Fresno Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (FresCAMP) will meet in Madera in January. Please call 277-6134 or email frescamp@sbcglobal.net for directions and car pool information.

Tuesday, January 31
12 Noon
The League of Women Voters will have a (brown bag) meeting on the subject of Inclusionary Zoning. This event will be held at the Sunnyside Branch of the Fresno County Library. The presenters will be Jeff Roberts (opposes) and Keith Bergthold (supports).

Inclusionary zoning is a land-use concept in which local ordinances require builders to include a certain amount of housing for low- and moderate-income households. In contrast, exclusionary zoning is a technique that effectively drives up the cost of housing, excluding lower-income households from the community.

Both speakers will present their perspectives on the issue of whether inclusinary zoning is one possible solution to the absence of affordable housing and the over-concentration of low income housing in certain sections of the city as pointed out in the recent Brookings Institute report. For more information call (559) 251-3236 or email shh13@cvip.net .

Thursday, February 2
7 - 9 PM
Health Care for All conference at CSUF Peters Auditorium at the Craig School of Business at CSU Fresno. The conference will have a keynote speaker from Senator Shelia Kuehl’s office, who is lead author of the California Health Insurance Reliability Act (CHIRA) and other speakers dealing with problems solved by legislative passage, an overview of the legalization and a local campaign in support. There will be a Q & A session. Details: Ray Ensher, 439-8140 or Devin Caroll (co-chair) 439-6368.

Saturday, February 4
7:30 PM
The Fresno Folklore Society presents TSYGANKOV & SHEVCHENKO--From Russian with Love in the Fresno Art Museum's Bonner Auditorium: Tickets: $15 advance; $20 at door. They came to us last year at this time and wowed us. Local Russians filled the audience and taught us how to receive fine musicians: with bouquets of flowers during their performance. Tsygankov has performed at the White House and has been a featured performer in concert at Carnegie Hall as well as the Lincoln Center in New York and has thrilled enthusiastic audiences in Washington DC's Kennedy Center. Tsygankov is the leading composer for domra as well as being one of the most prolific. His distinctive style combines brilliant virtuoso techniques with sensitive textural effects. His compositions have opened up new possibilities for the instrument, setting the standard for domra technique. Alexander Tsygankov who has been called the "Russian Paganini" and holds the coveted "Distinguished Artist of Russia" title, is one of the most outstanding virtuoso performers ever to take up the ancient Russian instrument called the Domra. Inna Shevchenko is a renowned piano soloist and accompanist. Partners in life as well as on stage, Shevchenko (a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music) and Tsygankov have been married for thirty-six years. In 1968 she was named Best Accompanist at the National Competition in Tula. They have toured in many countries around the world. Together with Tsygankov she recorded Journey from St. Petersburg toMoscow, Thirty Years Together, and Round the World Journey. WHAT IS A DOMRA? An old Russian folk instrument--the domra--belongs to tamboura-type instruments which originated in ancient Egypt. The earliest records of the domra in Russia date back to the 16th century. The instrument became popular in the midst of wandering minstrels--the first professional performers in Russian known as skomorokhs.

Saturday, February 11
Registration is at 8:30 AM , training begins at 9 .Close at 4 PM
The National Women's Political Caucus of Fresno- Women's Leadership Fund presents Campaign Skills Training. It is said to be the best training in this area.

Topics include: Developing a grassroots strategy, Frame that issue, Recruiting and training volunteers, Getting the PRESS you deserve, Creating effective campaign materials, Identifying natural and unlikely allies, Know your opposition, Dialing for Dollars. New Section : Running for Office: How to decide what's right for you!

This training is for anyone that wants to help on campaigns, run as a candidate, just for interest on how things need to be done.

For additional information call Mary Stanley at 268-5756.

Saturday, February 18
Registration: 6:45-8:00 AM
Race Judicata Fun Run for Charity: featuring a 5K run, a 2-mile walk/run, and a ¼ mile kids run. San Joaquin College of Law, 901 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA Contact: info@proracegroup.com or (559) 324-8993.

Wednesday, February 22
The original Wailers are coming to Tower Theater. http://www.wailers.com/

Friday, February 24
7 PM
A traditional Armenian concert program of songs and dances by the: CHOOKASIAN ARMENIAN CONCERT ENSEMBLE (14 musicians) and ZVARTNOTS ARMENIAN FOLK DANCES from Los Angeles. (30 folk dancers) will be at the California State University, Fresno Satellite Student Union-Whitfield Hall 2485 East San Ramon (Enter from Barstow St.) Tickets: $10.00 & $8.00 CSUF Students Free - Ticket Info. (559) 278-2078, Box Office (559) 278-3970 Additional info. about the performers, go to their website: www.chookasian.com

Thursday, March 9
7:30 PM
The Fresno Folklore Society presents Perfect Strangers-- 5 of the best playing bluegrass: banjo, bass, fiddle, guitar, & mandolin $20 at the Fresno Art Museum. For more information about FFS Concerts: www.fresnofolklore.org 559-431-3653

Sunday, March 19
The Fresno Folklore Society presents Hans York at a house concert, 6661 N Forkner, $10. For more information about FFS Concerts: www.fresnofolklore.org 559-431-3653

Friday, March 24
7:30 PM
The Fresno Folklore Society presents Seskin, Joseph, & Edwards - Three songwriters share the stage. $20 at the Fresno Art Museum. For more information about FFS Concerts: www.fresnofolklore.org 559-431-3653

March 25
The National Action Network is bringing the Reverend Al Sharpton to Fresno.

Friday, April 7
7:30 PM
The Fresno Folklore Society presents Garnet Rogers. $15 advance; $20 at door at the Fresno Art Museum. For more information about FFS Concerts: www.fresnofolklore.org 559-431-3653

ONGOING WEEKLY ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS

Every Sunday
4 PM
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 4 PM (meet at the Tulare side of the park). If anyone would like to donate or help cook, they should contact Becky Asami at 304-3409, or email her at Littlejap@csufresno.edu

Every Tuesday
6:30 - 8:30 PM
The Fresno River Zen group meets in Horsley Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4144 N. MIllbrook, Fresno. This group welcomes all who wish to seek clarity, compassion, and harmony with oneself and the world through mindful meditation. Emphasis is on bringing peaceful actions from personal experience in meditation to healing the world. Teaching and practice in the spirit of the Suzuki Roshi Lineage is led by Grace Schireson, an ordained Zen priest. For more information, call Grace at (559) 877-2400 or email her at grace@emptynestzendo.org .

Every Tuesday and Thursday
7–9 PM
The St. Benedict Catholic Worker serves a meal to the homeless, working poor, and visitors and released inmates in front of Fresno County Jail (corner of Fresno and M streets). Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve the meals. For more information contact Liza Apper at (559) 229–6410 or liza.apper@sbcw.org ; or visit their Web site: < www.sbcw.org >.

Every Tuesday
7 PM
Peace Fresno meets at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence at 1584 N Van Ness, south of McKinley. 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 (237–3223). For more information about Peace Fresno, call 487–2515 or visit their Web site at www.peacefresno.org.

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. Programs vary, but the focus is always on peace issues: local, state, national, international. The contact is Carol Krehbiel: (559) 637–9098 or krehbiel@cvip.net. The meeting is free, open to the public, and accessible to the handicapped.

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

Every Saturday
1 PM until the last patient is served
Medical clinic for the homeless, actively injecting drug users, and prostitutes. You can find them near the Olive Ave 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. Donations of bicycle parts, inner tubes, and blinky lights welcome. Volunteers needed to help with minor repairs. The bicycle clinic is near the Olive Ave entrance to Roeding Park, beside Food Not Bombs. For more info and to arrange donations, e-mail fresnofreebikeclinic@yahoo.com.

ONGOING MONTHLY ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS

1st Sunday of every month
1 - 3 PM
The South Valley Peace Center <http://www.svpc.info/ > has peace demonstrations at the northwest corner of Mooney and Walnut in Visalia. Come out and demonstrate for peace. Bring a sign with your favorite peace message.

1st Sunday of every month
3 - 5 PM
Fresno Stonewall Democrats meeting is open to the public. Stonewall Democrats’ focus is on social and political issues of interest to progressives in general and progressive and liberal Democrats in particular. For meeting location and other information contact Jay Hubbell at (559) 292–4905, e–mail <fresnostonewall@mangen.com >, or visit the Web site<www.mangen.com/stonewall/ >.

2nd and 4th Sunday of every month
1 PM
South Valley Peace Center meets at the Visalia Friends Meeting House, 17208 Ave. 296, Visalia. Contact: info@svpc.info http://www.svpc.info

3rd Sunday of every month
10 AM–12 Noon
World Meditation Day is observed to promote peace within oneself and harmony in the world. Held at 7319 N Fourth St, Fresno. Program includes guided meditation followed by discussion and light refreshments. Call Veena Kapoor, (559) 435–2212, for more information.

3rd Sunday of every month
1 PM
Humanists of the San Joaquin Valley meet in Room 1 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, 4144 N Millbrook. For info call June: 645–1719, or visit their Web site at www.fresno.humanists.net

2nd Monday of every month
5:30 PM
The Living Wage Committee will meet at the SEIU 250 office, 1279 N Wishon. Community Alliance for a Fair Economy (CAFE) is taking the lead in this effort. We are in the research and planning stages of development. Further information contact Frances Sivak: (559) 222–5240 or fsivak@msn.com.

4th Monday of every month
7 PM
FresCAMP (Fresno Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) meets at the Barn at Margaret Hudson's house, 4230 N Arthur. For more information e-mail ilsasso2003@yahoo.com, call (559) 227–6134, or visit the Californians for Pesticide Reform Web site at www.1000friendsoffresno.org/pesticides.html

1st Tuesday of every month
6 PM
The San Joaquin Valley Coalition for Immigrant Rights meeting at 328 N Fresno Street. For more information call (559) 498–6033.

3rd Tuesday of every month
12:30 - 2 PM
The California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) a progressive coalition of community, church and labor organizations have their monthly meeting at the Fresno Senior Resource Center located at 2085 E. Dakota in Fresno. It is an open meeting to all with concerns on local, state & federal issues that matter to seniors, voters, taxpayers. For more informaiton call Gene Roza at 559-905-3521or visit the CARA website at: www.californiaalliance.org

3rd Tuesday of every month
7 PM
The Fresno Free College Foundation (owner and operator of KFCF 88.1 FM) Board of Directors meet at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4144 N Millbrook, Fresno. The public is invited. For more information call (559) 233–2221, e-mail kfcf@kfcf.org , or visit www.kfcf.org.

1st Wednesday of every month
12 Noon–1 PM
Women in Black– Silent Vigil at the Fresno County Courthouse entrance. Show your support for PEACE and for negotiated settlements of US current military actions! Meet downtown at the Fresno courthouse, and stand silently, advocating for PEACE. For more info, call 278–7140 or 225–2850.

1st Wednesday of every month
7 PM
The Fresno County Democratic Central Committee meetings are held in the State Building Assembly Room. The address is 2550 Mariposa Ave. Call Steve Haze, Chair – 855-8844 stevehaze@psnw.com or Jay Hubbell, Secretary - 292-4905 / jayhubbell@comcast.net for more information.

1st Wednesday of every month
7:30 PM
Conservation Committee of the Sierra Club Tehipite Chapter at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4144 N Millbrook, Fresno.

1st Thursday of every month
As Terry Allen, former Fresno artist and musician, says in a song, "The Art Mob's Out Tonight" and that night would be the first Thursday of every month downtown at the newest Fresno arts hot spot and at various other locations around Fresno. You can see a variety of styles, perspectives and medias: contemporary expressionist, abstract expressionist, conceptual, painting, collage, assemblage, sculpture, photography and more, all coming from talented local artists. Some of those are Robert Ogata, Dal Henderson, Jane Whitehurst at the Bus Barn Studios; Steve Dzerigian, Sally Stallings and others at Corridor 2122 Mono; Richard Silva, Dixie Salazar at Silva/Salazar Studios (654 Van Ness) and a number of featured artists for July at Gallery 25 at 660 Van Ness, James Hawks and Carol Takijian; Manual Vesare, Glenn Delpitt, Brianna Johnson, and Silva at Fig Tree Gallery at 644 Van Ness. Come out and join the art mob on First Thursdays; enjoy some wine, a cracker or two, and a "Truckload of Art" (Terry Allen again). There are many other studios also taking part in Art Hop in Fresno. For more information contact Maria Franco at mfranco@fresnoarts.org Or (559) 237- 9734.

2nd Thursday of every month
5 PM
The Human Relations Commission meetings are open to the public. Regular meetings are usually scheduled on the second Thursday of each month in Meeting Room 2165N of City Hall. Any person who wants to place an issue before the Commission should first contact the HRC staff at 621–7770.

2nd Thursday of every month
7 PM
Fresno LGBTQ Social Group (http://www.gayfresno.com/social/ )
Carrow's Fresno
1484 E. Shaw Ave
(one block south of Fashion Fair)
Get together and hang out

2nd Thursday of every month
7 PM
Monthly meeting of the Fresno County Green Party, County Council, at the California State Building in downtown Fresno. The address is 2550 Mariposa Ave., and is located between O and P streets and Fresno and Tulare. Enter through the main door along the pedestrian mall just off P Street. Call (559) 265–3647 or go to www.cagreens.org/fresno for more information.

2nd Thursday of every month
7 PM
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom meeting, 1584 N Van Ness, south of McKinley. For more information e-mail socialjustice@sti.net.

3rd Thursday of every month
6–8 PM
Fresno County Bicycle Coalition, monthly meetings to provide a forum for bicyclists to organize, discuss common concerns, and influence public policy. If you are interested in helping Fresno County become more bike-friendly, you are invited to join this group. We meet at the Revue Café, 620 E Olive (at Lucerne) in the Tower District. Please call (559) 444–2065 for more information.

3rd Thursday of every month
6:30 PM
Central California Criminal Justice Committee is meeting at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence, 1564 North Van Ness ( Southeast corner of McKinley and Van Ness).

1st Friday of every month
4:30–6:30 PM
Peace Fresno is at Shaw and Blackstone Avenues to protest the occupation of Iraq and other harmful domestic and foreign policies of the Bush administration. Peace Fresno advocates alternatives to war and social and environmental justice. For more information go to <www.peacefresno.org>.

1st Friday of every month
7–9 PM
Dances of Universal Peace. Sacred Circle Dances from Around the World at the First Congregational Church, Van Ness and Yale.

1st Saturday of every month
9:30 AM
Kennedy Club of the San Joaquin Valley meets at Denny's Restaurant at Abby and Divisidero. Call 439–8140 for more information.

1st Saturday of every month
3–5 PM
Women of Spirit—a gathering of women rediscovering their own spirituality and enabling others to do the same. You are invited to join the circle of women the first Saturday of each month, at 7319 N Fourth St, Fresno. Beginning and closing meditation, discussion and activity, light refreshments after closing. The event is free. Both men and women are welcome. Contact: Veena Kapoor, (559) 435–2212.

2nd Saturday of every month
9:30 AM
Fresno Center for Nonviolence monthly meeting at 1584 N. Van Ness, south of McKinley.
For more information about the Fresno Center for Nonviolence, see their Web site or call 559–23PEACE (237–3223).