The Fresno Peace and Social Justice Calendar

Now through May 19
"Dream What We Can Become & Rejoice" at the Fresno City College Student Center. 10 4’ foot banners + 40 smaller prints of farm worker conditions and UFW organizing by 50+ year movement photographer-film maker George Elfie Ballis. Open to public — Monday-Thursday 8am-6 pm, Friday 8 am-3pm. For free guided group-class tours with Elfie 855.3710.

Thursday, April 27
Fresno Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (FresCAMP) meeting. Please call 559-227-6134 or e-mail frescamp@sbcglobal.net to confirm time and location.

Thursday, April 27
2 - 5 PM
Does Your Neighborhood Walk the Walk? Learn more about creating walkable communities Reception, Presentations and Neighborhood Walk Survey at the Fresno Center for New Americans 4879 E. Kings Canyon Road, Fresno. Space is limited.  RSVP to:

Rosemarie Amaral, Department of Community Health
(559) 445-3276 or by e-mail at ramaral@co.fresno.ca.us

Thursday, April 27
8:30 PM
The Central Valley Progressive PAC candidate forum will be broadcast on Comcast channel 14. This will be the Fresno City Council race, District 1 and 3 part of the forum. This broadcast will be repeated on May 5th at 6:00pm and May 6th at 3:00pm

Thursday, April 27
10:30 PM
The Central Valley Progressive PAC candidate forum will be broadcast on Comcast channel 14. This will be the County Coroner/Board of Supervisors Dist 4 and Sheriff race. This broadcast will be repeated on May 1 at 6pm and May 7 at 3:00pm.

Friday, April 28
5:15 PM
Cineculture presents special guest: Cedar Sherbert (Kumeyaay), Winner of the 2002 Horizon Award for the best up-and-coming filmmaker at the American Indian Film Festival. Two films will be shown at CSUF ED 170, Kremen School of Education. This film is sponsored by Cineculture Club.

Gesture Down (I Don't Sing) (USA) 2006.Cedar Sherbert. 10 min. Spanish/Tipai with English Subtitles.

Gesture Down is an intensely personal short film by Cedar Sherbert (Kumeyaay), inspired by the poem "Gesture Down to Guatemala " by the Native author James Welch (Blackfeet, 1940-2003). The piece opens with Native singing and rattling and a panoramic shot of a Christian graveyard on the filmmaker's home reservation in northeastern San Diego County , CA . It is the site of his grandfather's grave. His grandfather was a Kumeyaay singer, but Cedar Sherbert tells us, "I don't sing. I never learned." Sherbert seeks out the "last" Kumeyaay singer who apparently lives on the

Mexican side of the border.

The Business of Fancydancing (USA). (2002). Sherman Alexie. 102 min. English. Evan Adams stars in this drama from the acclaimed Native American writer Sherman Alexie as Seymour Polatkin, a gay poet and writer from a Spokane tribe. The film begins as Seymour returns to the Spokane reservation for the funeral of one of his high school friends, Mouse, a young man who was honest almost to a fault and wasn't afraid to talk about it. Soon, Seymour finds himself confronted by some irate old friends, prompting him to evaluate the life he has led since he left the reservation. Victoria Film Festival : Audience Award Durango Film Festival : Best Narrative

Feature Film San Francisco Film Festival : Audience Award OUTFEST: Outstanding Actor Award (Evan Adams), Outstanding Screenwriting Award (Sherman Alexie) Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival: Audience Award Spliced Wire: Best Films of 2002 Honorable Mention

Cedar Sherbert is on the faculty of the Akatubi Film and Music Academy, a program for Native youth. He has taught film theory courses at Kumeyaay Community College and worked in the film department at the University of Southern California. He premiered short films at the Sundance Film Festival in 2003 and 2004. He will lead the post-screening discussions for both films.

Cineculture Club seeks to promote cultural awareness and address diversity issues through film. President: Ger Lee lee10120002000@csufresno.edu Advisor: Denise Blum dblum@csufresno.edu

Friday, April 28
6:30 - 8:30 PM
The Reedley Peace Center presents the movie: Walkout. A group of Mexican American students stage a walkout to protest the injustices of the public high-school system in East Los Angeles. Set in 1968 against the background of the national civil rights movement, an idealistic honors student takes on the school system’s blatant discrimination against Mexican Americans by banding with a group of fellow activists to coordinate a multi-school walkout of students.

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, April 29
2 - 6 PM
PEACEFIRE II: Celebrating America's Peaceful Potential will be held in downtown Visalia's Garden Street Pedestrian Plaza at Main and Garden streets.

Held in conjunction with the United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ) Peace and Justice Festival in New York City, the Visalia event will feature the music of Green Machine and Richfield, along with informational booths, displays and a keynote address by Nadia McCaffrey, mother of the first California National Guardsman killed in action since World War II.

Since the June 22, 2004 death in Iraq of her son, Sgt. Patrick McCaffrey, Nadia McCaffrey has dedicated her efforts and those of her organization, Angelstaff.org, to promoting peace and justice, reaching out to parents whose children have died in the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, and bringing aid to women and children who have survived the trauma of war.

PEACEFIRE is a free event sponsored by the South Valley Peace Center (SVPC) and the American Friends Service Committee - Proyecto Campesino. Information: (559) 733-9670 or www.svpc.info

Saturday, April 29
10 AM - 2 PM
The West Fresno Democratic Club is hosting a Take It Back "Party." This "party" is a voter registration drive that has two parts:

1. WFDC Office at 1131 "F" Street and
2. walking neighborhoods of your choice in the 93706 zip code!

Refreshments will be provided, free of charge. This event coincides with a National Democratic Party door-knocking event. Make a difference...register someone to vote!

For more information please call: (559) 264-0097 or 225-6827.

Saturday, April 29
10 AM
The Central California Criminal Justice Committee will meet at 453 N. Fresno St. (Just South of Belmont, West side of street), headquarters of No Nos Vamos Comite

The group met there on Saturday, April 8, went over materials for door to door lobbying. Looked over the map of District 5, noted the different ethnic population centers and discussed tactics for

reaching people effectively. On April 29 they will hit the street, give out information about the Independent Police Auditor, discuss it with people in the district. Gloria has prepared a brochure about IPA that the plan is to give them out to people in the district, and encourage them to sign the endorsement form. CCCJC needs a large numbers of people to help them do this. For more information or questions call Ellie at 229-9807.

Saturday, April 29
12 Noon - 5 PM
Breaking the Silence
An opportunity for Fresno to learn more about what child abuse is, what’s being done to fight the problem, and what each of us can do to join the fight. It will include:

• Information Faire from 12:00pm-2:00pm, with information and resource tables, Wall of Tears and Clothesline Project displays, and activities for children.

• Speaker’s Platform from 2:00 pm -3:30 pm, featuring: Alison Arngrim, child star, internationally acclaimed speaker, and child abuse survivor.
• A Time to Share - Survivors Open Microphone from 3:30 pm -5:00 pm. A
chance to share your story, or be inspired by the stories of others.

This event will be held at California State University, Fresno’s Maple Mall. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, April 29
1 PM
"Artists in the Garden"

Bring your cameras, canvas and sketch pads Scenic Landscapes & Rustic Vignettes Garden Theater, Tour & Refreshments $15. Advance Reservations ~ (559) 332-2909

On the cusp of Earth Day we greet you as fellow artists that share a love of nature and beauty in the heart of California that surrounds us here in the valley and foothills near Fresno. We hope you might like to take the time to visit our unusual, rustic and artful garden that we have been

cultivating for the past 22 years. Tim and I moved here in 1984, two artists with young energy and 5 acres that needed attention. The Squaw Valley Herb Gardens is our much-loved home, workplace and living canvas offering visitors opportunities to learn more about herbs, their inspiring beauty and creative usefulness.

We are fighting for our land and our life here. With neighbors and concerned citizens we've formed the Squaw Valley Gateway Community under the umbrella of the Sierra Nevada Alliance. We are appealing the proposed location of Nextel's Cell Tower that would unnecessarily impact our scenic Hwy. 180 corridor, our gateway town of Squaw Valley and it's small, family farms, ranches and businesses located on that corridor.

The proposed Tower will impact us all aesthetically and the reliant equipment creates 50 decibels of sound (45 keeps you up at night) and is proposed to be built 76' from our botanical gardens and organic lavender farm. This will come to look like an industrial mini-storage facility in what is now a beautiful Sierra view. There are better locations for this tower. Nextel did not follow it's industry's own guidelines. We're rallying our community to envision the best scenario for the land, our town, our county, our state and visitors traveling to Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks. Visit soon if you'd like to support the artistic vision, or buy raffle tickets by phone, or attend one of our community's fundraisers raising needed funds for our appeal. We know in our hearts we have a worthy cause and we have a good lawyer recommended by the San Joaquin River Parkway & Trust. Our appeal will be decided May 9 at 2 pm. Thank you for your time and any support you might like to share.

Sincerely, Rosemary
Squaw Valley Herb Gardens, 31765 E. Kings Canyon Road, Squaw Valley, CA 93675 Rosemary Nightingale (559) 332-2909 ~ Rosemary@SquawValleyHerbGardens.com
www.SquawValleyHerbGardens.com

Saturday, April 29
2 - 4 PM
The League of Women Voters, Preschool California and Fresno Pacific Univ. are co-sponsoring a dual forum. The two candidates for Fresno County Supt. of Schools will speak, and an official from Preschool California will be here to present a non-partisan analysis of Prop 82, the Preschool for All initiative. This event will be held at Ashley Hall which is in McDonald Hall (main bldg) at Fresno Pacific. No charge.

Saturday April 29
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
Saturday Afternoon Blues Jam
Hosted by Russ Allen come join the Jam!
3:00-7:00 pm $3.-cover
"Mercury Blues Band"
8:00pm $5.-cover
620 F St
Historic Chinatown
Fresno California
559-264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Monday, May 1
5:30 PM
Several local organizations and activists join a national boycott on May 1, 2006, in support of comprehensive immigration reform. These groups are calling for a rally at 5:30 PM in front of Fresno City Hall for a collective dialogue with the community.

The intention of the boycott is to make the economic impact of immigrants’ roles as laborers and consumers felt. The organizers are inviting the community—when possible—not to go to work or attend school and, particularly, not to purchase anything.

In the past few days, the government has conducted massive deportations around the country, in what many people consider an attempt to put pressure on protestors. We consider this measure entirely inappropriate at this point and we call for strong support of the boycott to ensure that Congress gets our message: we want a comprehensive immigration reform without all the "fine print" that will affect millions of immigrants if such proposals are approved.

Everyone is invited to join in support of this cause and to express all feelings in a peaceful manner, as we did recently during the marches.

Monday, May 1
7:30 PM
The Community Alliance newspaper will show the movie THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED at the Full Circle Brewery, 620 F St. in Downtown Fresno. Tickets are $10 but nobody will be turned away for lack of money. For more information about this event call 559 978-4502. For more information about the movie, see: http://www.chavezthefilm.com/index_ex.htm

Thursday, May 4
7 - 8 AM
The Interfaith Alliance of Central California will host a National Day of Prayer for All Faiths gathering. The gathering will be held on the east side of the Fresno County Court House near the Clement Renzi statue of the three interfaith clergymen who created the Forum for Better Understanding radio program.

This gathering will attempt to honor the spirit of the declaration that "People of all faiths might take time on that day to pray to God as they understand God".

The Interfaith Alliance of Central California is organizing this gathering so that people who work in the city center can come by on their way to work to join together in thanksgiving and prayer for our nation and world.

We have contacted leaders of the following communities to offer prayers: Jewish, Native American, Islamic, Catholic, Lutheran, Mennonite, B’hai, Hindu, Congregational, Methodist, and Unitarian Universalist. Other faith leaders are welcome and may join in the prayers by calling Rev. Bryan Jessup at 227-6146 and by being present at 6:30 am before the event begins.

Officials from the city have also been invited, and we are looking forward to their presence.

We invite you to join us and, though not everyone is invited to speak at a microphone, we do want you to come with one specific prayer concern which you can offer as all our prayers are voiced together in that hour.

Our city has a widely diverse population. We hope this gathering reflects that, and we hope that your presence will add to the celebration of all the ways in which we speak our prayers.

For further information, contact Rev. Bryan Jessup, co-chair, Interfaith Alliance of Central California 227-6146

Thursday, May 4
5:30 PM
As a part of the 5^th Annual Bike Month activities, the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition invites you to an ART HOP bike ride. Meet at Recycled at 5:30 (1461 N. Van Ness, #C, across from Club Fred). Art Hop is sponsored by the Fresno Arts Council, first Thursday of each month – free admission. For details visit their website: http://www.fresnoartmuseum.org/cal_arthop.php

Thursday, May 4
6:30 - 8:30 PM
California Prison Moratorium Project - Valle Monthly Meeting
Location: Center for Non- Violence
1584 N. Van Ness
Fresno, CA 93728

Agenda :

John Lum, CEPS/CURB Policy Coordinator, " Whats Happening in Sacramento"

(TENTATIVE)

( CEPS= Californias for Effective Public Safety CURB- Californians United for Responsible Budget)

Fresno's Juvenile Detention Center NAMED IN A LAWSUIT

COMMUNITY ACTION ON THE SUPER SIZED YOUTH DETENTION CENTER

Student Action of Correctional Officers Training at FCC
More prisons comming to our valley....(parlier???)
Proposal for 7000 new immigrant detention beds,
Central Valley Alliance for Justice -

PLANNING THE FIRST VALLEY CONFERENCE ON JUSTICE; SUGGESTED WORKSHOPS; YOUTH WORKSHOPS ON EDUCATION NOT INCARCERATION, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND IMMIGRANT RIGHTS, ADDRESSING THE COMPLAINT SYSTEM FOR ABUSIVE PROBATION AND PAROLE SYSTEMS, VIOLATION OF FAMILY RIGHTS AND THE PRISON SYSTEM, PRISON ABUSE AND THE 602 ( 602 IS HE COMPLAINT FORM FOR PRISONER ABUSE) AND MORE

Friday, May 5
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Reedley Peace Center Perspective: A review of our 3 year history and discussion about our future. Come with your impressions and ideas.

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

May 5, 6, & 7
A Passion for Film!

Fresno Filmworks Announces Lineup for 2 nd Annual Film Festival

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Fri. May 5, 7:00 pm

The film festival kicks off with the animated short Badgered, the tale of a grumpy badger who just wants the world to let him sleep. Oscar Nominee for Best Short

The Real Dirt on Farmer John, opening night feature film, a moving, quirky and highly entertaining chronicle of the life and times of John Peterson, the last line of Midwest farmers, who lost his family's homestead during the farm crisis of the 1980's only to triumph as the leader in the contemporary organic movement.

Fri. May 5, 9:00 pm

Champagne Opening Night Reception

Celebrate the Passion of Film with friends at the Tower Theatre.

Sat. May 6, 2:00 pm

The Fan and the Flower, a whimsical animated short film. Winner of the Annie Award for Best Animated Short.

Duma, the latest from legendary filmmaker Carroll Ballard (The Black Stallion, Fly Away Home) follows the extraordinary adventures of Xan, a 12-year old in South Africa, who when a crises forces the family to move to Johannesburg, sets out by himself to return his pet cheetah Duma to the wild.

Sat. May 6, 5:00 pm

A Night at the Oscars, 4 Oscar Nominated Short Documentaries

The Death of Kevin Carter: Casualty of the Bang Bang Club, after shooting an award-winning photograph that captured the full horror of starvation in Sudan, South African photojournalist Kevin Carte found himself tormented by doubts about the ethical implications of his work.

God Sleeps in Rwanda

Five courageous women struggle to rebuild their lives in a society still reeling after Rwanda's devastating 1994 genocide.

The Mushroom Club

A riveting account of ten people who's lives who were forever marked by the terrible

personal toll following the bombing of Hiroshima sixty years ago.

A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin

Explores the lasting impact of radio broadcasting legend Norman Corwin's work and

focuses on his landmark 1945 piece, "On a Note of Triumph," which aired on the

evening of VE Day.

Sat. May 6, 8:00 pm

The White Countess

Merchant Ivory's last film starring Ralph Fiennes and Natasha Richardson, co-starring

Vanessa and Lynn Redgrave.

Sun. May 7, 1:00 pm

Elevator to the Gallows

Sun. May 7, 3:00 pm

An Afternoon at the Oscars, 5 Oscar Nominated Animated and Live Action Short Films

The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello

The Last Farm

9

Our Time is Up

Six Shooter

Sun. May, 5:00 pm

"My Favorite Flick and Why I Love It"

A lively panel discussion for film lovers everywhere.

Sun. May 7, 7:00 pm

Sophie Scholl – The Final Days

Winner of Best Director and Best Actress awards at Berlin International Film Festival, as well as Germany's submission this year to the Foreign Language Academy Awards, this taught and gripping drama recreates the last six days of Germany's famous anti-Nazi heroine.

The Filmworks film festival runs Fri, May 5 through Sun. May 7 at the Tower Theatre.

Ticket prices are as follows:

$40 - Festival Pass includes all films & invitation to Opening Night Champagne Reception

$10 - Opening Night Champagne Reception (Friday)

$10 - General tickets

$8 - Student & Senior tickets

Tickets available at all TicketMaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or at 485-TIXS, Tower Theatre, Fig Garden Bookstore and The Movies video store.

Saturday, May 6
3 - 6 PM
A Musical Benefit at Club Fred- Some of Fresno's Finest

Music programmers Bill Trayler and Bob Lambert are organizing a musical benefit for the KFCF Transmitter Fund. Some of the well-known local musicians are donating their time are Ted Nunes and Richfield, Mike Smith, Blake Jones and Trike Shop, Jeff Fetters and Ben Sondheim as well as other performers to be announced, plus rare Rock N' Roll videos between acts. All artists are donating their time and talent. The event also features delicious food from Tower District restaurants Veni Vedi Vici and the Landmark, as long as it lasts. Enjoy great Valley talent and help KFCF. Admission is an $8 contribution for the transmitter.

Sunday, May 7
1 PM
Imagine Change - We Choose to Stay & Fight. Live music. performance. spoken word. live painting. Activist booths, arts & crafts, short films, kiddie corner.

Location:

Planned Parenthood
650 N. Fulton

Activities (workshops)
youth organizing 101
reproductive justice
Immigration issues
policy/lobbying
queer issues
adult ally workshop
environmental racism
culture, diversity, & Race

www.imaginechangecoalition.com 
infoline: (559) 488-4908x315

Hosted by: Planned Parenthood Mar Monte.Californians For Justice. Gay Straight Alliance Network. ESPINO.Prison Moritorium Project.OUTLOUD.

SPREAD THE WORD!

Sunday, May 7
2 PM
Bush-OUT!

It’s time for the Central Valley to let Congress know that we have had enough of George W. Bush’s crimes and his disastrous policies. It’s time to impeach Bush/Cheney. However, despite record-low public opinion poll numbers for Bush, members of Congress appear reluctant to support the efforts of Russ Feingold in the Senate and John Conyers in the House to hold Bush accountable. Maybe they need to see people in the streets. So Peace Fresno is sponsoring a Bush-OUT! demonstration on Sunday, May 7, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm in Fresno’s Tower District at Olive & Wishon. Help make it known that Fresno says, "Bush-OUT!" For more information or to get fliers in English or Spanish, contact Peace Fresno at (559) 487-2515 or www.peacefresno.org.

Wednesday, May 10
11:30 AM - 1 PM
Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center will hold its first "Celebrate You – Live Well and Thrive Luncheon" at TorNino’s Banquets in Fresno. The event will feature culinary delights from a team of Fresno’s top-rated chefs, followed by a motivational address and book signing by Marci Shimoff, co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul."

Shimoff delivers an uplifting message for women, addressing self-esteem and empowerment. She is co-author of five New York Times best-selling books, "Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul I and II," "Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul I and II," and "Chicken Soup for the Single’s Soul," as well as the recently released "Chicken Soup for Every Mom’s Soul."

Tickets are $15 per person and will be available for purchase in February. For more information, contact Peter DeYoung, Alliance Advertising and Public Relations at (559) 994-9292.

Wednesday, May 10
12 Noon & 7:30 PM
Second Wednesday of each month free Video Program

The film is "Oil on Ice" May 10th Noon & 7:30 at FCNV About Oil on Ice Oil on Ice is a one-hour documentary that examines the battle over oil development within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This is a classic struggle in a stunning place, featuring the dramatic wildlife that adapted to this environment and the cultures of the Gwich¹in Athabascan Indians and Inupiat Eskimos that rely on this wildlife for their subsistence.

12 Noon and 7:30 PM showings at the Center, 1584 N. Van Ness (SE corner Van Ness and McKinley). A discussion will follow 7:30 PM showing.

Wednesday, May 10
7 - 9 PM
Celebrate Bike Month by passing on all that extra bicycle gear you aren’t using. Trade it for something you will use. Unsold items can be donated to the Fresno Bicycle Clinic. How about:

* those great jerseys that don’t fit you anymore,
* that saddle that has been replaced,
* those pedals that have been upgraded,
* what about that case of power bars you’ve grown tired of,
* not to mention serious items like wheels,
* cassettes,
* computers,
* lights, shoes, forks, etc., etc., etc., etc. Cookies and coffee will be served.

This event will be held at the University Center, 550 E. Shaw.  For more information, contact Paula Landis at 434-6895or visit us at www.fresnocycling.com 

Friday, May 12
6:30 - 8:30 PM
The Reedley Peace Center presents Scott Key and Duane Hefflebower. Nonviolence workshop for the Peace Center and Reedley High School’s Students for Peace members.

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, May 13
10 AM
The Black Political Council will Host a "Community Meet and Greet" at the Hinton Center. Come meet their Endorsed Candidates.

Saturday, May 13
3:30 PM
Central Valley Progressive PAC holds its regular General Meeting to review the GOTV activities

and share the progress on precinct walking as well as phone banking. Preparations for an Environmental Issues Forum for July are under way. Join the discussion at the Center for Non-violence, 1584 N. Van Ness at McKinley. For information call Lydia Flores 435-7360 or www.cvppac.org

Sunday, May 14
All Day
Mother’s Day

Mothers' Day Proclamation: Julia Ward Howe, Boston, 1870

Mother's Day was originally started as a protest to the carnage of the recent Civil War, by women who had lost their sons. Here is the original Mother's Day Proclamation from 1870, followed by a bit of history (or should I say "herstory"?):

.....................................

Arise, then, women of this day! Arise all women who have hearts, whether our baptism be that of water or of fears!

Say firmly: "We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies. Our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be
taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience.

We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says "Disarm, Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."

Blood does not wipe our dishonor nor violence indicate possession. As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.

Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each bearing after their own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God.

In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit of nationality may be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.

Julia Ward Howe
Boston
1870

Sunday, May 14
Bike Shops - Safety Checks are a part of the 5^th Annual Bike Month activities, the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition. Bike and helmet safety checks at participating Bike Shops.

Sunday, May 14
10:30 AM - 2 PM
Mother’s Day Rebozo Festival at Arte Americas, 1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno. For more information see www.arteamericas.org or call (559) 266-2623.

Brunch, and the traditional Rebozo Fashion Show.
Plus rebozos and other gifts for the women in our life.
This year again honoring special women in our community.
Tables of 10 available.
Tickets:
$30 Adults
$12 Children under 12

A Rebozo is: a long woolen or linen scarf covering the head and shoulders (also used a sling for holding a baby); traditionally worn by Latin-American women. Scarf - a garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration

Tuesday, May 16
6:30 AM 5 PM
Hunger Action Day trip to Sacramento

Fresno Metro Ministry and California Hunger Action Coalition are sponsoring a bus trip to talk to our legislators in Sacramento about what we know about Hunger in the Valley. This will be in place of our regular Forum for May. We'll have special presentations and advocacy training, and meet with our Valley legislators. Be prepared to share your story! Space is limited, please, no children under 12 years of age. School-age children must have permission from their school. (pick up and drop off in the Trinity Lutheran Church Parking Lot, 3973 N Cedar Ave). For further information: Edie Jessup, or Jeremy Hofer at Fresno Metro Ministry, 485-1416.

Thursday, May 18
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Mujeres de Conciencia/Women of Conscience - A Book Project authored and photographed by Victoria Alvarado from Berkeley, California, will feature black and white photos and biographies of 75 Latinas from the state of California—including eight women from the Central Valley. The women from the Central Valley include: Carmen Cristina - musician/folkloric singer, Sarah Reyes - CEO Community Food Bank and former assembly member; Patricia Wells Solorzano - instructor and musician; Matilde Hicks - public radio host and community activist; Eva Torres - non-profit fundraiser; Irma Luna - Mixteco farmworker liason, Josie Mena, MSW - community activist; Dolores Huerta - farmworker advocate.

The Fresno Mujeres de Conciencia Committee and Arte Américas will be hosting a reception to raise funds for the publication of the book at Arte Americas Cultural Center, 1630 Van Ness Avenue, in Fresno. Tickets for the event are $30 per person. The first year’s profits from the sale of the book will provide scholarships for Latino students.

Thursday, May 18
6:30 to 9:30 PM
Progressive Thursday presents Loose Change. This documentary is an in-depth investigation of the events of September 11, 2001. 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.

Thursday May 18
8 PM
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
"Inner Ear Poetry Jam"
$3.-cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559-264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Wednesday, May 24
7 - 9:30 PM
The Tenth Great Fresno/Oxford Debate
The motion before the house is: Motion: " Agribusiness has served the people of the San Joaquin very well" Location to be announced soon. For more information call Vincent Lavery at 559-455-0821

Friday, May 19
BIKE TO WORK DAY!!!
BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY!!!

Join cyclists and politicians for a public ride from Manchester Center to Kern Street Café for free coffee and bagels. Gather at 8am for 8:30 ride – near Manchester’s Fresno Area Express. Clovis cyclists, meet at Old Town Trail rest stop near Ashlan and Clovis at 7:15 for ride to Manchester.

Edison High School Annual Bike to School Ride. For more information see: http://www.fresnobike.org/

Saturday May 20
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
Happy Hour with "Mate y Bombilla"
Latin American Folk Music
3:00-7:00pm no cover
Songwriters in the Round
8:00pm $5.-cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559-264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Saturday, May 20
8 AM - 4 PM
The Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN) Conference will be held at the Big Red Church at 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd in Fresno. RSVP withDebbie Reyes 559-916-4370 or Email: reyesdm@pacbell.net or Vianey Yedithza 559-790-4691 or Email: vianeyyedithza@yahoo.com

Saturday, May, 20
10 AM - 3 PM
The 3rd Annual Fresno BabyFest--FREE event to celebrate babies (0-5yrs) and their families and educate about positive ways to keep them happy and healthy. Come see: Baby Carrier Fashion Show, Baby/Child Product Vendors and Info Booths, Prize Raffle and Free Giveaways, Family

Entertainment and MORE!!
Where: The Discovery Center, 1944 N.Winery (between Clinton and McKinley)
Visit www.fresnobabyfest.com for more information or call: 314-6053.

Saturday, May 20
1 -3 PM
"How to Stop War" Forum

As the war in Iraq lumbers into its fourth year and new targets are identified, there is a real threat of war without end. What can you do? Be informed and act! Speakers will share valuable information and practical steps. Come, listen, ask questions, and leave prepared to act.

The forum will take place at Mennonite Community Church, 5015 E. Olive Ave.

For more information, please contact Scott Key at 453-2070 or scottkey@fresno.edu

The forum is co-sponsored by Peace Fresno and the Peace and Social Concerns Committee, Mennonite Community Church.

Saturday, May 20
7 PM
International Cine Forum presents Samy and Me, a colorful comedy from Argentina (2002). The film will be shown at the Fresno Arts Museum, is in Spanish with English subtitles, and admission is $5. The showing of this film is co-sponsored by the Community Alliance newspaper.

Sunday, May 21
1 PM
Dan Yaseen will report back from the World Social Forum in Pakistan. This report back will be held at the Humanists of the San Joaquin Valley regular meeting which is held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4144 N Millbrook Ave.

Thursday May 25
8 PM
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
"Gove Scrivenor"
$3.-cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559-264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Friday, May 26
5:30 PM registration
6 PM dinner
7 PM program (musings and music)
The second annual Carl and Esther Robinson Award for the Outstanding Advocate for the common good.

This year, the Rev. Walt Parry, long-time director of Fresno Metropolitan Ministry, will be honored. The idea of the Common Good has roots in virtually all of the world’s major religions as well as in the founding documents of this nation. However, there are many strong social, commercial, and political forces that have seriously eroded concern for the Common Good. The aim of the sponsoring organizations - the Interfaith Alliance of Central California and the Fresno Ministerial Association - is to refocus our community’s attention on this most important value.

For more information email fma@fresnoministerial.org or call (559) 435-7835 ext 12.

Saturday May 27
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
Saturday Afternoon Blues Jam
3:00-7:00pm $3.-cover
Belly Dancing With Cory Zamora
8:00pm $5.-cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559-264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Saturday, May 27
7 PM
KFCF 88.1 FM special eventJoin us for an evening with PRATAP CHATERJEE investigative journalist and executive director of CorpWatch. Host of the weekly radio show Terra Verde on KPFA and KFCF, Pratap works as global environmental editor for InterPress Service and as a freelance writer for the Financial Times, the Guardian, and the Independent of London. He has won five Project Censored awards as well as a Silver Reel form the National Federation of Community Broadcasters for his work in Afganistan, and the best business story award from the National Newspaper Association. He has also appeared as a commentator on numerous radio and television shows ranging from BBC World Service, CNN International, Democracy Now!, Fox and MSNBC. He will be in North Fork to talk about his latest book, Iraq, Inc.: A Profitable Occupation. This event will benefit the KFCF Transmitter Fund and will be held at the North Fork Town Hall, 33060 Mono Rd (Road 228). Admission $5 to 10 (sliding scale, no one turned away) also featuring a Home-Made Soup Dinner for an extra $5 with beer, wine and soft drinks available. For tickets call 559-233-2221.

To get to North Fork Town Hall from Fresno: Take Hwy 41 to North Fork turn-off (Road 200), then 20 minutes to downtown NF and right at Road 228 (Mono Road).

Tuesday, May 30
7 - 9 PM
An open Forum with the 5 Candidates running for the District 1 City Council seat will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the First Congregational Church of Fresno, 2131 N. Van Ness Ave. The Moderator will be Bill Murphy. The public is invited to attend and ask questions of the candidates. The Forum is free and is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Community Outreach Ministry of FCCF. For more information, phone Nora DeWitt at 225-1894.

Wednesday, June 14
6:30 PM
The San Joaquin Valley Democratic Club (SJVDC) is working in conjunction with KFPT-AM 790, to host talk show personality Stephanie Miller in Fresno. Stephanie will be speaking at an event that evening sponsored by the SJVDC. The event will be at La Ryan Event Center, 4277 N. West Ave (West and Ashland) beginning at 6:30 pm (doors open at 6). There will be a no host bar and heavy Hors D'oeuvres. Cost of the evening is $30, which includes membership in the SJVDC. Tickets are available by contacting Gary Alford, at 559/ 224-8430 or gary@fresnoteachers.org

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 <www.centerfornonviolence.org> or call 559–23PEACE (237–3223).