Thursday, February 4
9:15 a.m.
City Council Mtg @ City Hall. Larry Westerlund is proposing an ordinance at Thursday's City Council Meeting aimed at the homeless who quietly sit or stand on medians asking for help. Please attend if you can and also help publicize this war on the poor. See http://www.fresno.gov/CouncilDocs/agenda2.4.2010/9151.pdf . Contact: Bill Simon simon72811@sbcglobal.net

Thursday, February 4
7 p. m.
John Ross will speak at the C.A.F.E. Infoshop, 935 F. St. Downtown Fresno. 2010 will mark the bicentennial of Mexico's war of liberation from Spain and the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. As the country plunges into the most severe economic collapse since the Great Depression, President Felipe Calderon will spend billions of pesos to celebrate the twin centennials, a mistake dictator Porfirio Diaz made on the eve of the Mexican Revolution. As it was a hundred years ago, social discontent is at fever pitch and some are anticipating violent uprising in 2010.

Friday, February 5
2 p.m.
John Ross presents his latest book, "El Monstruo" ("The Monster") - taming the most contaminated, corrupt, crime-ridden, and chaotic urban entity in the Americas. Award winning journalist/poet, Ross is the winner of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Upton Sinclair Prize and the American Book Award for the first published account of the Zapatista rebellion in Chiapas. This event will be held at CSUF, Peters Business 191.

Friday, February 5
5:30 p.m.
Cineculture presents: Corazon del Tiempo U.S. Premiere. This film will be shown at CSUF/McLane 121.

Corazon del Tiempo (2008) THIS IS THE FIRST SHOWING IN THE U.S.A. (ASIDE FROM SUNDANCE) & the first feature-length movie set in a Zapatista village in Chiapas. Director Alberto Cortes. It is a time of revolution and Sonia’s rebellious heart causes further commotion in their village. Recently bethrothed to a young community leader, Miguel, she is walking along a path in the Selva Lacandona one day when she locks eyes with those of Julio, a rebel fighter; their passion puts the security of her community and the Zapatista rebels in jeopardy. In a world where everything changes, in a land if free Indians who have decided to take a stand and resist, Sonia takes on the struggles of love in the heart of time. 90 min. http://www.corazondeltiempo.com/ .Discussant: John Ross

"CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion."

Friday, February 5
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (light potluck at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m.)
The Reedley Peace Center presents the documentary: FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture into an industrial model, and confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, and morbid obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet. Fellowship Hall, First Mennonite Church, 1208 L St. (between 12th & 13th Sts.), Reedley. Free. For more info, e-mail Don Friesen at dfriesen0@gmail.com

Saturday, February 6
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
A Morning of Mindfulness: Weaving Meditation and Poetry of Self-Compassion at The Center: Bridging Body, Mind and Spirit, 1233 West Shaw Ave. in Fresno. $25.00 upon arrival. Tea and fruit will be provided. We will spend the morning spent alternately listening to poems themed on self-compassion by selected authors AND sitting in silent meditation. Weaving silence and words in this way, the poetry may be absorbed and appreciated as an in-depth means to nurture and enhance compassion towards self and others, particularly in difficult times. Gift yourself with a quiet morning of poetry, reflection and self-compassion. No meditation experience necessary. Workshop is facilitated by Leslie Bullock, LCSW. Leslie is a psychotherapist, meditation practitioner and appreciator of the power of both the spoken word and silence. Leslie studied Buddhism and literature in Thailand and Japan for 13 years. Contact: Leslie Bullock @ 559-908-0925 or e-mail intention to attend or for more information at bullockleslie@sbcglobal.net by February 1st, 2010.

Saturday, February 6
9 - 11 a.m.
Kennedy Club meets at Denny’s Restaurant Banquet Room, 141 N Abby in Fresno. Details: Ray Ensher, president: 559 439-8140.

Saturday, February 6
3 - 5:30 p.m.
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Org. speaker at 7319 N. Fourth St. Fresno (South of Alluvial & East of First. Sister Sukanya has been a teacher and practitioner of Raja Yoga Meditation for more than 15 years. She teaches meditation and conducts workshops on self development in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also facilitates retreats at the BK Anubhuti Retreat Center in Novato, Ca. Sister Sukanya is a spiritually inspiring speaker, who blends her spiritual wisdom from the East with her experience of living in the West. Our program includes: a talk, guided meditation, and light refreshments. There is no charge. Contact: Sis. Eileen (559) 435-2212

Saturday, February 6
6 p.m.
Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club presents their Annual Banquet with a special program by Stephen Johnson. This event will be held at Classic Catering, 625 Fourth Street,Old Town Clovis. For more information, email Marcia@BigBaldy.com or call (559)332-2419.

Saturday, February 6
7 p.m.
Praying in HER Own Voice will be this month’s movie at the Seventh Annual Jewish Film Festival held at Temple Beth Israel, 6622, N Maroa Ave.

The film documents the struggle of a religious group called Women of the Wall. They strive for equality at the Wailing Wall. The holiest place on earth for Jews. The film is an outcry protesting religious coercion and the violent silencing of women. It’s a film that raises many questions about the battle of the sexes within the Jewish world. Details 559 432-3600.

Wednesday, February 10
12 noon and 7 p.m. (potluck at 6:30 p.m.)
The Fresno Center for Nonviolence presents the video "Forgiveness", directed and produced by Mara Alper. (2006) 28 minutes. The film shows a psychological and philosophical approach to forgiveness as told through four powerful stories from a prisoner, a recovering alcoholic, a grieving mother and renowned world leader, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It has been used successfully in classrooms, community centers, prisons, mental health centers, alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs, alternatives to incarceration programs, campus ministry programs and by therapists, psychologists and in spiritual healing practices. Noelle Daoudian and Jason Ekk of VORP (Victim Offender Reconciliation Program) will be the facilitators. Free to the public. Wheelchair accessible. This event takes place at the FCNV, 1584 N. Van Ness (S.E. corner McKinley and Van Ness).

Friday, February 12
5:30 and 8:15 p.m.
Fresno Filmworks presents "The Messenger" at the Tower Theatre. The war drama, which earned actor Woody Harrelson a Golden Globe award nomination for best supporting actor, tells the story of a pair of U.S. Army officers who must bear bad news to the loved ones of fallen soldiers. Advance tickets cost $10 general and $8 for students and seniors, and can be purchased by check or cash at the Tower Theatre box office, 815 E. Olive Ave. Tickets and details are available online at www.FresnoFilmworks.org

Friday, February 12
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (light potluck at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m.)
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker: Shoroq Hijazeen, exchange worker from Jordan. Topic: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Fellowship Hall, First Mennonite Church, 1208 L St. (between 12th & 13th Sts.), Reedley. Free. For more info, e-mail Don Friesen at dfriesen0@gmail.com

Friday, February 12
6:30 p.m.
Temple Beth Israel will hold its 21st annual Social Action Award Banquet This year's honoree is Captain Al Maroney who has served in law enforcement in the Fresno community for more than thirty-four years and has been very active in the local community. He has worked hard to improve police/community relations and has participated in community life, whatever his particular assignment at the time.

Tickets for the banquet are available for $25 each ($30 the day of the event) or $175 for a table of eight. Call the Temple office to make your reservations. A check may be sent to Temple Beth Israel at 6622 N. Maroa Ave., Fresno CA 93704.

CONTACT: Lise Rosenthal
2639 N. Adoline
Fresno CA 93705
(550)226-4978
lise@rakefet.com

Saturday, February 13
3:30-5 p.m.
The Central Valley Progressive PAC meeting will feature candidates for the Fresno City Council. The meeting is at the Fresno Center for Non-Violence located at 1584 N. Van Ness Ave., Fresno. For more information, go to our website at www.cvppac.org or call 559-435-7360.

Sunday, February 14
Valentine’s Day
Did you know that the original Saint Valentine was an anti-war priest engaged in Civil Disobedience? Read more here: http://wilstar.com/holidays/valentn.htm

Sunday, February 14
1 p.m.
The Tower District Mardi Gras Parade at Olive and Wishon.

Wednesday, February 17
10:30 a.m.
San Joaquin Valley Town Hall will present Robert Fitzpatrick, former president of EuroDisney and CalArts and dean of the Columbia University School of Arts, speaking on "Passionate About the Arts" at the Saroyan Theatre, 700 M Street, Fresno. For tickets ($20) contact (559) 444-2180 or www.valleytownhall.com or the box office on the day of the event.

Friday, February 19
5:30 - 8 p.m.
The National Women's Political Caucus -Fresno County will be celebrating the lives of our community leaders with an Ida B. Wells and Frederick Douglass Reception. Receiving awards will be Karen Bass 67th Speaker of the California Assembly and retired Doctor Ulysses Curry.

This event will be held at the African American Museum, 1857 Fulton Avenue. Reservations in advance $35, at the door $45, students $10. Call 229-9661 for reservations.

Friday, February 19
5:30 p.m.
Cineculture presents: The Black Rock with discussant: Kevin Epps (filmmaker). This film will be shown at CSUF/McLane 121. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

Friday, February 19
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (light potluck at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m.)
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker: Member Joe Halpen will tell his story. "What a Long Strange Trip it's Been" Fellowship Hall, First Mennonite Church, 1208 L St. (between 12th & 13th Sts.), Reedley. Free. For more info, e-mail Don Friesen at dfriesen0@gmail.com

Friday, February 19
6:30 p.m.
A fundraiser for Fresno Food Not Bombs will take place at the Full Circle brewery, 620 F St just north of Ventura and just east of the 99 exit. Once again Blake Jones and the Trike Shop will be featured along with a very special artist from the bay area, Shovelman. The event begins at 6:30 PM and music starts at 7:00. A variety of FNB fundraiser staples will be served, varieties of vegan chilis, cornbread, brownies and salad among other delicacies that the Saturday group likes to prepare for special occasions.

Saturday, February 20
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Fresno Free Speech Media Conference will be held at the Dickie Community Center - Divisadero and Glenn Streets. What is the status of Free Speech in this area? What opportunities exist for grassroots citizen journalists? How can progressives play a bigger role in shaping the news in a time of collapsing daily newspapers?

Skills Workshops
Panel Discussions

Partial list of sponsors: The Community Alliance newspaper, KFCF 88.1 FM, Radio Bilingue 91.5 FM, El Concilio de Fresno, Indymedia, and Cine Culture at CSUF, FresYes!, Because People Matter newspaper in Sacramento, and The Undercurrent newspaper.

Saturday, February 20
9 - 10:30 a.m.
San Joaquin College of Law (SJCL) Pancake Breakfast and Race Judicata Fun Run. It's called "Short Stacks for a Tall Cause," but the February 20th second annual Elizabeth O'Neill Scholarship Breakfast is a lot more than just the flap jacks. The money raised goes to fund a scholarship to support female heads of households who are attending SJCL.

O'Neill's life was at first focused on the five children she raised before completing her law degree from Boalt Hall in 1969, but her concern for children lasted her entire life and lives on as her legacy. She became a nationally recognized expert in family law including child custody, visitation, and child abuse. She opened her own law firm specializing in child custody in 1982, but even after her retirement, her work for children never ended.

The breakfast will be held from 9 until 10:30 a.m. in front of SJCL at Veteran's Memorial Park in Clovis. It is in conjunction with Race Judicata Fun Run, which is a ten-point race in the Valley Runner of the Year Series. Last year, about 400 participants took part in the event, which includes a 5K run, two-mile walk/run, and a quarter-mile kids run. Registration forms and more information for both Race Judicata and the Elizabeth O'Neill Scholarship. For more information see www.SJCL.edu .

February 19-21
Interfaith Scholar Weekend, Lecturer: Dr. Yahya Michot Dr. Yahya Michot is Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary. He is on the faculty of the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, and is Co-Editor of the journal The Muslim World. Dr. Yahya Michot is an internationally recognized scholar. He is the author of a long list of scholarly publications, including many articles and several books. He is one of the foremost experts on the historically important thinkers Avicenna and Ibn Taymiyya. He has participated in more than forty international conferences since 2000. He has served as Director of Research and Lecturer at the Institut Superieur de Philosophie at Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, and Islamic Chief Lecturer in the Faculty of Theology of Oxford University.

Tuesday, February 23
4 p.m.
The Homelessness Marathon - listen to it on KFCF 88.1 FM. This event will end at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24. For more information, see: http://www.homelessnessmarathon.org/

Thursday, February 25
6:30 - 8:45 p.m.
"EL NORTE", a dramatic film exploring the issues of immigration through the eyes of two young, undocumented Guatemalan immigrants. St Paul Newman Center Peace and Justice Ministry will show this film in Cardinal Newman Hall, 1572 E Barstow Ave., Fresno. Admission is free. Discussion will follow the film. Contact: Bill Simon simon72811@sbcglobal.net

Friday, February 26
10 a.m.
Two award-winning journalists who have focused on international reporting will headline the Tatarian Symposium Feb. 26 at California State University, Fresno. Appearing at the program, which is free and open to the public, are Nancy Youssef, former Baghdad bureau chief for McClatchy newspapers, and Gareth Porter, an investigative journalist and historian specializing in U.S. national security policy. The symposium will be held at the Satellite Student Union.

Friday, February 26
5:30 p.m.
Cineculture presents: Tehran Has No More Pomegranates with discussant: Afhsin Matin-Asgari. This film will be shown at CSUF/McLane 121. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

Friday, February 26
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (light potluck at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m.)
The Reedley Peace Center presents the film: Gandhi (Part 1). We will view the 1982 film by Richard Attenborough with Ben Kingsley as Gandhi. The conclusion will be shown on the following Friday. Fellowship Hall, First Mennonite Church, 1208 L St. (between 12th & 13th Sts.), Reedley. Free. For more info, e-mail Don Friesen at dfriesen0@gmail.com

Saturday, February 27
9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Celebrate Black Heritage & History Month - Family-friendly event in Patterson, California North Park Downtown - Proceeds from event will benefit The Helping Hands Project and Services.

Activities Include: Booth for African & Black Art; Fashion Show/Dance Competition/Talent Show; The "Best Barbecue Cook-off"; Youth Awards; Singing Competition; Children's Art Competition & activities; Live Band Contact Chi Chi Jack for Information and to Reserve Vendor Space, 209-485-2820 - www.adhopt.com , chijack@pacbell.net

Sunday, February 28
4 p.m.
LaQuerencia Concerts presents Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen in a house concert in the Common House, 2658 E. Alluvial Avenue, between Chestnut and Alluvial. Steve and Cindy have been performing together for 20 years, bringing together their love of traditional music and their wealth of original songs. Accompanying themselves with guitar, concertina and banjo, their live performances are known for rich harmony, compelling songs and a good dose of humor.

Steve Gillette has been writing songs since the 1960's, and his songs have been covered by Ian and Sylvia, John Denver, Garth Brooks, Linda Ronstadt, Tammy Wynette, and many others. His most recent solo album, Texas and Tennessee, was named one of the Top Ten Folk Albums of the Year by Tower Records. Cindy Mangsen. "one of the finest singers in American folk music"

(Come for to Sing), is known for her compelling interpretations of traditional ballads, as well as for her own writing and her wonderful ear for harmony.

"Steve and Cindy have hit on a combination that consistently produces high quality recordings and entertaining stage shows. Their voices and styles meld seamlessly with a gentleness and a maturity that is unmatched in the world of folk duos." Sing Out Magazine "What more perfect combination than these two superb artists. Their voices weave together perfectly, each enhancing the other. Canadian River Music Tickets are $15 each, and seating is limited in this intimate setting, so reservations or advance ticket purchases are highly recommended. Contact Lorenzo at (559) 367-9528, or lorenzo.bassman@fresnocohousing.org to reserve your seats.

Monday, March 1
2 - 4 p.m.
Cineculture presents: Invisible Children Films. This film will be shown at CSUF/East Engineering 191. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

Monday, March 1
7 - 8:45 p.m.
The Greater Fresno Area Chapter of the ACLU of northern California will hold Committee Meetings in the Sarah McCardle Room at Fresno's Downtown Library. All are welcome. Committees include: Police and Homeless Issues, Legal and Prison Issues, School Issues, and West Side Issues. Contact: simonaclu@sbcglobal.net

Tuesday, March 2 through Saturday March 6
The Third Annual African American March for Justice & Awards Ceremony. For more information, contact: Rev. Floyd D. Harris, Jr. xyfloyd@aol.com 559 803 - 0286

Thursday March 4 through Saturday March 13th
The Rogue Festival - The Rogue is a non-juried arts festival that celebrates the independent performer and artist. This annual celebration is made up of theatre, music, dance, film, performance art, puppetry, spoken word, storytelling, visual arts and more. O.K., it sounds like a Fringe Festival… but with a 21st century sensibility. For more information, see http://roguefestival.com/info/

Thursday, March 4
10:30 a.m.
Defend Public Education! March from Shaw and Blackstone to Fresno State at Shaw and Cedar. A rally will take place at CSUF at 12 Noon. The demands of this march and rally are:

* Increase transparency and equality in CSU’s and UC’s, and accountability of administrators.
* Pass AB 656 - tax oil extraction and use the revenue to supplement public education funding.
* Repeal AB 900 - divest from prisons and invest in solutions - education, health care and mental health care, drug treatment, jobs. . .
* No more corporate bailouts and tax breaks! When class sizes are increasing, educators are being laid off and taxpayers are paying more, everyone must be paying their fair share.

For more information, visit: www.unite4ed.org or email unite4ed@gmail.com

Friday, March 5
2 p.m.
Cineculture presents: Health, Human Rights, and Justice in Gaza: The Aftermath of War. This film will be shown at CSUF/Peters Business 191. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

Friday, March 5
5:30 p.m.
Cineculture presents: The Land Speaks Arabic with discussant: Jess Ghannam. This film will be shown at CSUF/McLane 121. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

Friday, March 5
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (light potluck at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m.)
The Reedley Peace Center presents the film: Gandhi (Part 2). We will view the 1982 film by Richard Attenborough with Ben Kingsley as Gandhi. Fellowship Hall, First Mennonite Church, 1208 L St. (between 12th & 13th Sts.), Reedley. Free. For more info, e-mail Don Friesen at dfriesen0@gmail.com 

Friday, March 5
7 p.m.
REGENERACIÓN: Ricardo Flores Magón and the Mexican Revolution of 1910. El Teatro de la Tierra Inc. presents one of the greatest untold stories in the history of U.S.- Mexico relations, Regeneración: Ricardo Flores Magón and the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Through the voices and guitars of Agustin Lira and Patricia Wells Solórzano, the show celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution and reveals the story of a man who gave his life so that his people would be free. Lira, 2007 NEA National Heritage Fellow and cofounder of El Teatro Campesino collaborates with Patricia Wells Solórzano of musical group Alma, to produce this one hour and fifteen minute performance utilizing narrative, song, and theatrical dramatizations by Teatro Inmigrante.

Ricardo Flores Magón, born on September 16, 1873, is the true precursor and intellectual author of the Mexican Revolution. He dedicated his life to bringing and end to the horrific dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz and to liberating the oppressed Mexican masses. Díaz enslaved and killed almost half the population of Mexico in less than forty years, when initially, he had been a celebrated national hero defeating the French at Puebla on Cinco de Mayo, 1867, later becoming the scourge of Mexico ruling with a bloody, iron fist.

Ricardo began his life-long struggle against tyranny as a teenager at preparatory school in Mexico City where he and his two brothers, Enrique and Jesus took to the streets joining mass student demonstrations against Díaz's second reelection. Later, Ricardo formed the Mexican Liberal Party (PLM), an oppositional party to the regime, and founded Regeneración, a newspaper that denounced injustices and called for national unity against the dictator. Quickly becoming targets of Díaz's wrath, Ricardo and the PLM survived repeated incarcerations in Mexico's worst prisons, receiving the final blow when Díaz made it illegal for anyone to publish Ricardo's writings.

Ricardo and the PLM leadership crossed the border into the U.S. in 1903, as soon as they were released from prison determined to continue the struggle from there. But the U.S. corporations who prospered beyond their wildest dreams, were not about to let anyone spoil it for them. Joining hands with Díaz, the U.S. government plotted to destroy Ricardo and the PLM financing an unparalleled persecution hounding them from Mexico to the U.S., then to Canada and back. Despite monumental odds and opposition, through extreme self-sacrifice, Ricardo and the PLM organized the first armed uprisings of the revolution. His message of freedom sparked the flames on both sides of the border, inspiring hope in the hearts of the desperate masses to build a better world.

The performances will take place at: Unitarian Universalist Church, Friday, March 5,

2010—7:00 p.m., 2672 E. Alluvial Ave., Clovis, CA 9361-9166; Arte Americas, Sunday, March 7 Matinee—3:00 p.m., 1630 Van Ness Ave., Fresno, CA 93721-1129; First Congregational Church, Friday & Saturday, March 12 & 13—7:00 p.m., 2131 North Van Ness BOULEVARD, Fresno, CA 93704-6098. Tickets are $10.00—General Seating; $7.00—Senior & Students;

$3.00—Children 12 & under. All venues are wheelchair accessible. For more Info. Call: (559) 237-3016.

Friday, March 12
5:30 p.m.
Cineculture presents: Oscar Nominated Short Films: Live-Action & Animated. These films will be shown at CSUF/McLane 121. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

Friday, March 12
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (light potluck at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m.)
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker: Mike Rhodes, editor of the Community Alliance, will speak of his work advocating for the homeless in Fresno. Fellowship Hall, First Mennonite Church, 1208 L St. (between 12th & 13th Sts.), Reedley. Free. For more info, e-mail Don Friesen at dfriesen0@gmail.com

Saturday, March 13
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Water Forum: Making Sense of Our Water Crisis: Our Lives Depend On It! This event will be held at Fresno City College Social Science Bldg., Forum Hall & SS classrooms.

Participants include Dr. Jeffery Michael of UOP, Lloyd Carter, Chris Acree of Revive the San Joaquin, Community Water Center/Aqua of Tulare County, Dan Bacher, Farmers of Restore the Delta, Mark Arax, (not confirmed yet), Food & Water Watch, David Cehrs, and others. The Forum will end with a debate of the pros and cons of the water bond issues. We will have one legislator and one environmentalist speaking for each side.

A morning plenary will address topics of: Is our water supply sustainable?, Water and land use issues, Whose water is it?, Water and jobs, and Water Quality. After lunch and the breakout workshops, the event will end with a moderated debate on the pros and cons of the water bond issues.

Friday, March 19
5:30 p.m.
Cineculture presents: Pomegranates and Myrrh with discussant: Ibtisam Barakat. This film will be shown at CSUF/McLane 121. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

Friday, March 19
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (light potluck at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m.)
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker: Dr. Akira Tajiri, Reedley optometrist, will speak of talk about his foundation, Precision Vision Enhancement, whose mission is to provide free prescription eyeglasses to the world's needy. Fellowship Hall, First Mennonite Church, 1208 L St. (between 12th & 13th Sts.), Reedley. Free. For more info, e-mail Don Friesen at dfriesen0@gmail.com

Sunday, March 21
12:30 – 5 p.m.
The Peace and Justice Festival (9th Annual Rally in the Valley) will be held at the Fresno Fairgrounds, Jr. Exhibit Hall. The Peace and Justice Festival will be the largest convergence of peace activists in the Central Valley on the day that marks seven years of U.S. war on Iraq. We will join people all over the U.S. in calling for an end to war, and we will celebrate the richness of our local peace and justice community.

We ask all peace, social justice, environmental justice, and progressive political groups from this region to co-sponsor, support, or endorse the event and to table and inform the public about their issues and actions. Use the accompanying links to register. Spaces are limited and early registration helps us plan and promote the festival.

The festival will feature speakers –Kathy Kelly of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, Iraq Veterans Against War leader Rick Reyes, and actor/ musician Thomas Ian Nicholas as Abbie Hoffman, music – by Blake Jones and the Trike Shop, Ibice, Thomas Ian Nicholas, the Sanger Academy Charter School Guitar Ensemble, and the Raging Grannies, muralists, and local peace and justice organizations showcasing their work (last year 50 groups tabled). For the first time, we are inviting vendors to sell handcrafted goods, health & wellness products & services.

Admission and parking is free. The venue is the Jr. Exhibit Hall at the fairgrounds. It is approximately 100’ x 200’ with heat, cooling, electrical outlets, restrooms, and a stage. Go to our website for details about the program for the 2010 Peace and Justice Festival, for pictures and information from last year’s Rally in the Valley, and to view photos of the Jr. Exhibit Hall.

We come together to strengthen the movement against militarism, to bear witness, and to learn from each other. This page loads in Internet Explorer for the Peace and Justice Festival information page: http://www.peacefresno.org/ritv10/ritv10.html . This page loads in Internet Explorer for a Registration form: http://www.peacefresno.org/ritv10/P&Japp.pdf . For more information, contact Dan Yaseen danyaseen@comcast.net  (559) 251-3361.

Thursday, March 25
6:30 - 8:45 p.m.
St Paul Newman Center Peace and Justice Ministry will host a panel discussion on Bio-Ethics in Cardinal Newman Hall, 1572 E Barstow Ave., Fresno. Admission is free. Panelists include Fr. Michael Lastiri, Graduate Certificate in Catholic Health Care Ethics, and Dr Maria Pallavicini, Dean of the School of Natural Science, University of California Merced

Contact: Bill Simon simon72811@sbcglobal.net

Thursday, March 25
7 p.m.
Ballet Folklórico de México of Amalia Hernández Celebrates Mexico’s Anniversary Year at the Roosevelt High School of the Arts Auditorium, 4250 E. Tulare Street, Fresno (Entrance Cedar Ave).

2010 is definitely the year to celebrate Mexico. Honoring both the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution and the Bicentennial of Mexico’s Independence, the country’s commemorative activities extend throughout the globe. With two national milestones coming together in one anniversary year, Mexico is going all out to memorialize this cultural eclipse with a smorgasbord of artistic festivities.

One of the first major events in the celebration lineup in Fresno will be a gala performance of the Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, the most prestigious ballet folklorico troupe in the world and definitely one of Mexico’s most coveted cultural exports. Sponsored by Dance for Power, a Stockton-based organization specializing in the presentation of world arts events, this performance will take place on Thursday, March 25, at 7pm at the Roosevelt High School of the Arts Auditorium, located at 4250 East Tulare Avenue.

Hailing from the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City, the Ballet Folklórico de México is unparalleled for its stunning collage of whirling skirts and incredible foot-stomping. The 60 spectacular dancers who appear in dazzling costumes against picturesque backdrops will be accompanied by a 15 virtuoso musicians whose mariachi and other popular rhythms regularly delight audiences of all ages and ethnicities. An attraction that rivals the best Broadway production, in 2010 the company is pulling out all its artistic stops to make the program an incomparable experience with eye-catching choreography.

Tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime anniversary performance are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com . Seat purchases by cash, check or credit card can also be made by phone or in person through Arte Americas (266-2633), located at 1630 Van Ness Avenue in downtown Fresno. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

Local Folklorico dance companies selling seats include: Ballet Folklorico y Marimba de Fresno, 283-3736; Ballet Folklorico Orgullo Mexicano, 786-9723; Ballet Folklorico de Oro, 618-0076; Clovis East High School Folklorico, 304-6352; Danzantes de Roosevelt High School, 287-0130; Danzantes de Tláloc of Central High, 871-3955; El Sol Dance Company, 291-1329; Fresno High School Folklorico, 978-0951; Grupo Folklorico Xochipaina,977-9580; Los Danzantes de Aztlan at Fresno State; Maravillas de Selma, 898-0977; Mestizos del Valle, 288-3787; Sunnyside High School Folklorico, 917-6506; and Teocalli, 577-9447.

To learn more about the Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, please visit www.danceforpower.org or www.balletamalia.com .

Friday, March 26
5:30 p.m.
Cineculture presents: William Saroyan’s Will with discussant: Barlow DerMugrdechian. This film will be shown at CSUF/McLane 121. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

Saturday, April 3
10:30 to 1:30
Women of Wisdom: Gathering Spiritual Leadership at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2672 Alluvial, Clovis. Sister Veena Kapoor, Rev. Natalie Chamberlain, and Abbess Myoan Grace Schireson will discuss Women’s Leadership in their faith tradition, followed by a panel discussion together with representatives from the UU Church and the Jewish community. $10 donation to cover costs. Contact: Grace Schireson grace@schireson.com

Monday, April 5
7 - 8:45 p.m.
The Greater Fresno Area Chapter of the ACLU of northern California will hold its Board Meeting in the Sarah McCardle Room at Fresno's Downtown Library. All are welcome. Contact: simonaclu@sbcglobal.net

Friday, April 9
5:30 p.m.
Cineculture presents: Japanese Americans: Untold Stories: WWII to Today. Discussants: Bob & Toshi Sakai, Aiko Ueyoka, Blanca Katsura, Marion & Saburo Masada, Kamal Abushamsieh. This film will be shown at CSUF/Peters Education Center Auditorium. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

Sunday, April 11 & 18
Earth Day Event: Is God Green? "Stewardship of Creation" or other environmental messages/sermons preached in local faith congregations. Immediate Needs: Local church members or leaders to promote an environmentally focused Sunday. For information about any of the above events, contact: Tom Cotter, Organizer, Fresno Earth Week, Co-Founder, www.GreenFresno.org tom.cotter@realgoods.com 559-457-8110

Friday, April 16
Fresno Filmworks Film Festival.

Saturday, April 17
Earth Day Event: Solar Homes Tour. Immediate Needs: Do you have solar at home? Let's get you listed on the tour! For information about any of the above events, contact: Tom Cotter, Organizer, Fresno Earth Week, Co-Founder, www.GreenFresno.org tom.cotter@realgoods.com 559-457-8110

Monday, April 19
Earth Day Event: Green Art Show. Immediate Needs: Host, Artists, Venue. For information about any of the above events, contact: Tom Cotter, Organizer, Fresno Earth Week, Co-Founder, www.GreenFresno.org tom.cotter@realgoods.com 559-457-8110

Tuesday, April 20
Earth Day Event: Commercial Solar PV Tour. Bus tour using biodiesel. Immediate Needs: Contacts for bus companies that will run biodiesel and sponsors. For information about any of the above events, contact: Tom Cotter, Organizer, Fresno Earth Week, Co-Founder, www.GreenFresno.org tom.cotter@realgoods.com 559-457-8110

Saturday, April 24
Fresno Earth Day event. Green Car Show, Farmer’s Market, Faith & Environment Forum, Seminars, Eco Vendors & Organizations, Live Music, Kids Activities, Speaker, Solar Oven Cook-off, and more. Immediate Needs: Sponsors and Businesses/Organizations that want booths, Green Cars, Mayor Ashley Swearengin, Celebrity Speaker, Seminar Leaders.

Saturday, April 24
1- 5 p.m.
Earth Day Celebration - workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, children's activities, refreshments. Come have fun while learning useful skills for protecting our beautiful planet. Co-sponsored by the Green Sanctuary and the Social Justice Coordinating Committees of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno. 2672 E. Alluvial Ave. (between Chestnut and Willow). For more info call the church office, 322-6146, or email Connie Young at cyoungrn@sbcglobal.net

Friday, April 30
5:30 p.m.
Cineculture presents: Nanking with discussant: Robert Wilson. This film will be shown at CSUF/McLane 121. "CineCulture club promotes diversity and cultural awareness through films and post-screening discussion." For more information, see: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/

ONGOING WEEKLY ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS

Every Sunday
3 - 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 3 PM (meet at the Tulare side of the park). For more information see: http://cafefresno.org/

Every Tuesday
6:30 - 8:30 PM
The Fresno River Zen group meets at the Unitarian Universalist Church. 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 Monday and Tuesday
7–9:30 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 Lizaosb@aol.com ; or visit their Web site:  www.sbcw.org .

Every (other) 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 Wednesday

7:30 AM

David Bacon's Labor Journal on KFCF 88.1 FM. David Bacon's experience as a union organizer and his world-wide contacts in the Labor community makes him uniquely qualified as a journalist specializing in issues and concerns of working people. He covers a broad range of labor news and issues locally, nationally and globally. See David's web site at http://dbacon.igc.org

Every Thursday
6:15 PM
NORML (working to legalize responsible use) meets at CSUF Science II room 107.  For more information email csufresnonorml@gmail.com or visit www.myspace.com/csufnorml 

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 ckrehbiel@earthlink.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.  If you would like to help us prepare our meal, we meet every Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church (1343 E. Barstow) at 10am.   For more information email: fresnofnb@hotmail.com or visit the official FNB website foodnotbombs.net 

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 Hughes and Olive Ave. Staffed by Dr. Marc Lasher and volunteers. Accepting financial donations. Contact: 266–0444.

Most Saturday
1–3 PM
Fresno Free Bicycle Repair Clinic.  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
8 - 9 a.m.
The South Valley Peace Center holds a demonstration for peace at Mooney and Caldwell in Visalia.

1^st Sunday of every month
5 PM
We don't BURN Heretics - We Welcome Them! Atheist, Secular Humanist, Rational Skeptic, Agnostic – would you like to be welcomed too? The Central Valley Alliance of Atheists and Skeptics meets every month to discover ways to promote a secular, rational viewpoint throughout the Central Valley. We invite like minded people and their supports to be a part of our new organization: Phone: (559) 892-0102 Website: www.cvaas.org

3rd Sunday of every month
3 - 5 PM
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
12 PM
Humanists of the San Joaquin Valley meets at the UU Church, 2672 E. Alluvial Ave. Clovis. They welcome guests and inquirers.  Information at their Web site at www.fresno.humanists.net 

1st Monday of every month
6:30PM – 8:30PM
Central Valley Café Scientifique. Scientists and those curious meet monthly - non-scientists can engage in stimulating (and friendly) conversation about current scientific topics with local researchers and scientists. Café Scientifique is a growing movement, having started in the United Kingdom.  For details about each month's event and the location, see: http://www.valleycafesci.org/

2nd Tuesday of every month
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Americans for Safe Access (to medical marijuana) Fresno Chapter holds their monthly meeting. The public is encouraged to attend and learn about safe access to medicinal cannabis. ASA Fresno Chapter meetings often feature informative guest speakers and a raffle is held with prizes given to the winners. The meetings are held at the Full Circle Brewery located at 620 "F" Street in Fresno. For more information, see: http://www.asafresno.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 Machinist's Union Hall at 544 W. Olive Ave, across from the DMV. 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 Mall, Fresno . Contact Secretary Jay Hubbell at (559) 292-4905 or jayhubbell@comcast.net  or visit www.fcdcc.org  for more information. 

2^nd Wednesday of every month
6 PM for dinner and 7 PM for call to order
The Fresno Stonewall Democrats meets at Carrow's Restaurant 4280 N. Blackstone Avenue, Fresno (On the east side of Blackstone just north of Ashlan).  Stonewall Democrats represent the interests of the LGBT community through the Democratic Party.   Phone: Chuck Krugman for more information: (559) 266-9237 E-mail Chuck at: ckrugman@sbcglobal.net http://www.mangen.com/stonewall/

Third Wednesday of every month
7 PM
General meeting of the Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club at the University of California Center, 550 E. Shaw Ave. The general public is invited to attend these meetings featuring presentations and slide shows on diverse topics. Meetings not held in July and August.

1st Thursday of every month
ArtHop will be held on two different days of the month; every first and third Thursdays effective January 2008 ArtHop. First Thursday of the month is slated for the Downtown Fresno and Tower District, while the third Thursday is for the Metropolitan Areas (outside Downtown and Tower).  For more information see http://www.fresnoarthop.org/ , contact Maria Franco at mfranco@fresnoarts.org  , or call (559) 237- 9734.

2nd Thursday of every month
6:30 PM
Health Care for All Central California meets at the California School Employees Association, 2501 W Shaw #107 (SW corner of Shaw and Hughes, between Marks and West).

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 contact JEAN HAYS skyhorse3593@sbcglobal.net . 

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 559 227-0293 or go to www.cagreens.org/fresno  for more information.

3rd Thursday of every month
FresCAMP (Fresno Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) meeting. For more information call (559) 227–6134.

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. Please call (559) (559) 285-7113 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.

2nd Friday of every month
7 PM
Fresno LGBTQ Social Group  http://www.gayfresno.com/social/  (Location varies each month, please see site).  We are a social activity group that gets together once a month to enjoy a social activity that changes monthly.  Bowling, BBQ, cards, dinner, etc.  Join us, get together and have a great time!

4th Friday of every month
5 - 6 PM
Street Heat on KFCF, 88.1 FM in Fresno.  This is the Community Alliance radio show.

1st Saturday of every month
9 AM (breakfast)
9:30 AM (business meeting)
10 AM (program)
Kennedy Club of the San Joaquin Valley meets.  Call (559) 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).

4th Saturday of Every Month
8 -10 AM
Tower Beautification Cleanup. Meet at the Olive/Wishon corner of the Chicken Pie Shop. Bring hat, gloves, broom or rakes and weed hoes, water. We supply orange vests, pick up bags, grabbers and extra tools. Why do we do this? To beautify our community and build empowerment through responsibility for our quality of life. Questions:? Call Coordinator, Gay Amend, at 237-6716 Sponsored by the Tower Trust, Council Districts 1 and 3 and the City of Fresno Sanitation Department which provides supplies and insurance.

 The Peace and Social Justice calendar is a free service of:
The Community Alliance
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