The Fresno Peace and Social Justice calendar

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

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

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

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

Friday, January 20
5:15 PM & 6:15PM
Two Films, presented by the CSUF Cineculture Club. The films will be shown at CSUF at the ED 170 room in The Kremen School of Education, free and open to the public. These films are part of the Margaret Mead Traveling Film Festival, from the American Museum of Natural History in New York, funded by The International Programs Office at Fresno State. These films are first_release independent cultural documentaries.

5:15 PM Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan
Petr Lom 2004. 51min. (Kyrgyzstan)
***N.Y. Premiere at 2005 Margaret Mead Film & Video Festival

This is the first film to document the custom of bride kidnapping, an ancient marriage tradition in Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet Republic in Central Asia. Interviews with the kidnapped brides, their families as well as their in_laws' families_sensitively reveal both the deep cultural roots of the tradition as well as growing rejection of it in this newly independent and rapidly modernizing society, especially by young women who wish to continue their education. Jury Award, 2005 United Nations Film Festival.

6:15 PM Children of the Decree Florin Iepan. 2004. 52 min. (Romania/Germany)
***N.Y. Premiere at 2005 Margaret Mead Film & Video Festival

Here's the story of the Romanian baby boom generation, willed into being by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Anxious to create a new Romania, Ceausescu, in1966, issued Decree 770, in which he forbade abortion (excepting women over 40 or those already taking care of four children) and banned all forms of contraception. By 1969, the country had a million babies more than the previous average. Thousands of kindergartens were built overnight and the new generation forced to participate in sports and cultural activities. Romania's tremendous demographic boom even led to the country's hosting a world conference on population in 1974. To revisit this period of oppression, the film blends interesting archival footage, excerpts from old fiction films and interviews with famous personalities from the time. Ironically, the new generation, on which

Ceausescu had pinned all his hopes, reached maturity in 1989 - the year when the country rose against and executed the dictator and his wife.

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

Saturday, January 21
11 AM - 12:30 PM
The Counter-Recruitment Coalition will hold a meeting at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence at1584 N. Van Ness in Fresno (Across from Fresno City College * SE Corner Van Ness & McKinley * Entrance on Van Ness) People who have volunteered to do tabling at high school are required to attend a training class, first training is scheduled for 10:00 - 11:00 AM before our meeting this Saturday.

Saturday, January 21
5 PM
The war against immigrants has been declared. Comite No Nos Vamos and Peace and Freedom Party invite the people of the San Joaquin Valley to the Defense Council. There will be a community meeting regarding the actions of the House of Representatives, President Bush, and the Border Patrol at 453 N. Fresno St. in Fresno California. For more information, call (559) 497-0206. Stop the assault on the rights of Immigrants and their families! Fight the law sponsored by Representative Sensenbrenner!

Saturday, January 21
7 PM
Bill Mitchell will be speaking at the South Valley Peace Center Talk of the Town Movie and Lecture Series. Bill’s son Sgt. Mike Mitchell, a 1997 graduate of Monache High School in Porterville, was killed in Sadr City, Iraq, on April 4, 2004. This is the same day as Cindy Sheehan’s son Casey was killed. Bill is a co-founder with Cindy Sheehan of Gold Star Families for Peace ( www.gsfp.org ). Like Cindy, he has used the voice given to him by the death of his son to speak out for peace. This will be the first time Bill has spoken in Tulare County since Mike's death. Bill will be speaking at the College of the Sequoias Lecture Hall, Room 350, 915 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, 93277.

Sunday, January 22
5 PM
Candlelight Vigil
Currently there is an unprecedented attack on family planning at the local, state, and international levels and the scales seem staked against women to make their own choices. Join Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and other supporters of privacy & women's rights for a Candlelight Vigil commemorating the 33rd Aniversary of "Roe v. Wade!" For more information contact Patsy Montgomery at 559.488-4908 x 301. This event will be held on the sidewalk outside of the NEW Federal Courthouse (corner of Tulare and P Streets in downtown Fresno).

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

Monday, January 23
11 AM
Fresno County Democratic Women's Club meeting Ramada Inn 324 East Shaw Ave at Freeway 41 in Fresno. Business meeting 11 A.M. lunch with Speaker Michael Hanson, superintendent Fresno Unified School District 11:55 A.M. Lunch $15. for reservations call president Jan Sangster at (559)439-3176 or by email at: jansangster@sbcglobal.net

Monday, January 23
4 PM
Wildlife Rescue
Fig Garden Regional Library, 438-4071 Fresno Wildlife Rehabilitation will talk about how they rescue endangered animals. Docents will bring in birds of prey to view.

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

January 25 - April 15
Free Tax Service Centers aka: VITA (VOLUNTARY INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE) Sites so individuals may file their taxes and claim their EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) Fresno ACORN will be operating these sites at their office from January 25-April 15, 2006 Specifically on Mon, Wed & Fri from 4-8pm. And on Sat 10-2pm. Fresno Acorn 3636 N. First Street Suite 139 Fresno, CA 93726 T:(559) 222-9013 F: (559) 221-0704 www.acorn.org

Wednesday, January 25
10 AM - 2 PM
Fresno Metro Ministry: Regional Summer Lunch Summit, Trinity Lutheran Church. For more information call (559) 485-1416

Wednesday, January 25
7:30 PM
Dry Branch Fire Squad is coming to the College of the Sequoias in Visalia. .Hearing the band live is really an unforgettable experience - they are like nothing else in the music today because of the stories and cultural satire of Ron Thomason, the band leader. The group is also the longest running act on Rounder Records and celebrates their 30th year in music in 2006. They have headlined numerous times at the Strawberry Music Festival, the Huck Finn Jubilee and the Grass Valley Bluegrass Festival. You can learn more about the band by visiting their homepage at www.drybranchfiresquad.com College of the Sequoias Theater, 915 South Mooney, 7:30p.m., $7.50 admission for the general public. For info, phone 559-737-6161.

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

-Mark your calendar now.
-For details call Sherry McClelland at (559) 457-6015 or email at sherry@fresnoadultschool.com

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

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

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

Saturday, January 28
2 PM
The West Fresno Democratic Club is a charted group and is on the move. The Rev. Floyd D. Harris Jr has taken the lead to ORGINIZE, ENERGIZE, MOBLIZE and EDUCATE the next generation. Harris say's "We will no longer take new wine and put in old bottles." The time has come for use to understand that It's time for use to step up to the plate and be counted. Politicians will no longer suck the wealth and resources out of the West Fresno Community. WFDC club will strongly push for voter registration and education to the community. Harris vision is to expose young people to Local, State, National issues. WFDC will train our young people in the community to take the front lines to have a voice for there future.

Meeting Date: Every second Saturday of each month
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: 1131 F. Street Fresno, Calf 93706
P.H: 559 264 - 0253
Fax: 254 - 0190
Web: www.FCDCC.ORG

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

Sunday, January 29
10 - 6 PM
Wellness Fair at the LaRyan event center, 4277 N West Ave in Fresno. Explore the possibilities of optimal wellness and performance. Take charge of your health. For more information call (559) 222-6212

Sunday, January 29
6 PM
Critical International Peace Issues: Bob and Judy Zimmerman Herr, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Peace Office directors based in Akron, Pennsylvania, will be speaking on "Critical International Peace Issues" at a forum sponsored by Mennonite Peacemakers. The forum will be held at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, on the corner of Butler and Chestnut in the BC Lounge. Bob and Judy Zimmerman Herr have served internationally with MCC and have creatively addressed a host of peacemaking issues both within Mennonite circles and in dialogue with other Christian denominations.

Monday, January 30
11 AM - 2 PM
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte invites you to join our CEO Linda Williams and other members of the National Post_Roe Task Force for an eye_opening presentation and open discussion about what women & their families can expect in a Post_Roe world. Reserve your table/space now by calling Patsy Montgomery 559.488.4908 x 301 or Hillary Howard 559.488.4908 x 300

Ramada Inn University
324 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710
COST: $25 per person (includes lunch)
(Limited Scholarships available for Students)

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday February 2
5 - 11 PM
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
Art Hop Reception
Plus the music of Joel Pickford
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559 264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Saturday, February 4
6 - 12 Midnight
The African American Historical & Cultural Museum fundraiser, "The Harlem Renaissance" Gala at the Convention Center's New Exhibit Hall

* Fine dining
* Music by Papa Bear & Co.
* Featuring Comedian Andre Covington
* Silent Auction

For further information please see attachments, or call Paul Copeland @ 681-9005.

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

Tuesday, February 7
6 PM
The National Women's Political Caucus of Fresno County will feature Diana Dooley, vice president and general counsel of Children’s Hospital Central California. The monthly meeting is held at Toledo's Mexican Restaurant, 367 E. Shaw Ave. in Fresno. [It’s just east of Highway 41 on the southwest corner of Shaw and Fresno avenues.] The dinner meeting begins at 6 p.m. and costs $15. RSVP is required by noon Monday, Feb. 6. Call 559-252-4812 or email lauraslmares@sbcglobal.net

Wednesday, February 8 
12 Noon - 1:30 PM 
Fresno Metro Ministry Community Hunger & Nutrition Forum

"Creating Healthy School Environments In Fresno"

Healthy School Environment Wellness Policy Committee members will unveil the FUSD Wellness Policy recommendations to be presented to the FUSD Board of Trustees. This document has taken over a year to produce and is a comprehensive approach to improving nutrition and physical activity environment on Fresno's school campuses. When adopted, FUSD will be a leader in the Valley addressing the health environment of our kids, and lead in addressing the obesity epidemic in a positive and comprehensive way on all FUSD school campuses. Also "Farm Fresh Wednesdays" Report and Recommendations - ways to link farms to school classrooms and cafeterias. At Trinity Lutheran Church. RSVP to 485-1416 or edie@fresnometmin.org

Wednesday, February 8
12 Noon & 7:30 PM
"The Greening of Cuba," a video about agriculture in the island nation. Second Wednesday of each month Video Program at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence at1584 N. Van Ness in Fresno (Across from Fresno City College * SE Corner Van Ness & McKinley * Entrance on Van Ness) 559-23PEACE 559-237-3223 . A discussion will follow the 7:30 PM showing.

Friday, February 10
5 PM and 8 PM 
Fresno Filmworks presents "The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till" at the Tower Theatre. A product of ten years of research, Keith Beauchamp's documentary reveals new information about the infamous murder of a 14-year-old African-American boy in 1955, prompting the U.S. Justice Department to re-open the 50-year old case. Tickets can be purchased at the Tower Theatre Box Office, 815 E. Olive Ave., The Movies, 1435 N. Van Ness Ave., the Fig Garden Bookstore in Fig Garden Village, and at the door, for $10; $8, for students and seniors. For more information call the FFW info line, 221-0755, or go to www.fresnofilmworks.org

Friday, February 10
7:30 PM
Langston Hughes Jazz Concert - Legacy of the Harlem Renaissance.

As part of the Fresno City College 2006 African American History Month Celebration FCC and Jazz Fresno will present "Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz", a multi_media concert based on a poetic masterwork by poet/playwright LANGSTON HUGHES, at the FCC Theatre. Internationally recognized scholar Dr. Ron McCurdy Quartet will perform Hughes' insightful, wise, poignant, funny and soulful, poem accompanied by a live jazz quartet, and video images of the Harlem Renaissance by African American artists and photographers including Jacob Lawrence, Gordon Parks and Romare Bearden. Ticket prices are $15 general and $10 for students.

For more information contact Dr. Ron McCurdy, Langston Hughes Project, (818) 429-2494
Gurdeep Sihota, Fresno City College (559) 265-5711 or 307-5499

Saturday, February 11
Registration is at 8:30 AM , training begins at 9 .Close at 4 PM
The National Women's Political Caucus of Fresno's Leadership Fund presents Campaign Skills Training at Smuggler's Inn SW corner of Blackstone and Dakota Avenue. The major presenter will be Dottie E. LeMieux, Northern California campaign consultant. Other presenters include Victor Salazar, Bryn Forhan and Dan Rosenberg. Tuition is $45 ($60 after 2/4) which includes workshops, lunch and materials handouts. For more information call Carol Bequette 229-9661 or Mary Stanley 268-5756.

Tuesday, February 14
2 PM
The Fresno chapter of Equality California (EQCA) will lead the community in an activity designed to focus on marriage discrimination against loving, committed same-sex couples. Please join marriage equality supporters to bring visibility to marriage discrimination. The event begins outside of Fresno’s County Clerks Office located at 2221 Kern Street, Fresno. We're looking for couples as well as supporters to join us. Please contact Jason Scott, EQCA co-leader to RSVP at fresno@eqca.org. Sign making will be completed the week prior to the event.

Wednesday, February 15
Deadline for articles and calendar items to the March, 2006 Community Alliance newspaper. Send information to AllianceEditor@Comcast.net

Thursday, February 16
7 - 9:30 PM
The Great Oxford debate - place tba; The motion before the house will be: Darwin was Right; 'intelligent design versus evolution.

Thursday February 16
8 PM
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
"Inner Ear Poetry Jam"
$3 cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559 264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com

Friday, February 17
7 PM
Erin Rogers with the Union of Concerned Scientists www.ucsusa.org will be speaking on "Global Warming Impacts on the San Joaquin Valley." She will also discuss the related lawsuit with the major automakers. Ms. Rogers will be speaking at the College of the Sequoias Lecture Hall, Room 350, 915 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia.

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

Sunday, February 19
3:30 PM
Bill Tapia, the Duke of Uke, Mihana, Davies & Tana are coming to the Fresno Art Museum. Ukulele legend Bill Tapia continues to grow as a concert draw, defying the odds and delighting audiences with jazz chops and sharp wit--both intact at age 98. "You might (and boy, you'd be wrong) dismiss this as a novelty, considering his age. But Tapia is a master communicator with precision and his own brand of pizzazz." Honolulu Advertiser.

"Duke of Uke" Tapia’s first cd reached #4 on the Amazon.com Early Adopter Indie chart. In-stores at Tower and Borders, with over 250 attending and 70 CDs sold at Borders Sacramento.

* ON RADIO: On over 120 stations- "Duke of Uke" reached #10* on the CMJ Jazz chart.

* ON TV: Performed live on K-Five TV Honolulu for the Hoku awards June 3rd.Featured on Huell Houser's California Gold this July on KCET-28 Los Angeles PBS TV.

* ON FILM: TO YOU SWEETHEART, ALOHA documentary getting festival awards and great press.

Tapia’s youth was spent performing and jamming with the top names of the day, including Charlie Barnet, Billy Holiday, Fats Waller and Bing Crosby. While in Hawai’i he led his own big band and also worked with Island luminaries like Sol Hoopi’i and Johnny Noble. After World War II, Tapia and family settled in the San Francisco area, where he largely abandoned performing for the greater stability offered by teaching guitar full time. Re-discovered several years ago “Tappy” has embarked on perhaps the unlikeliest career resurgence ever, 98 and hotter than ever. Working with award-winning Hawaiian singer Mihana and California jazz aces Ruth Davies and Akira Tana, the latest leg of the “Duke of Uke” tour logged 9 dates in 10 days in September from Monterey to Seattle. Now in early 2006 he has plans that include a live album release, completion of a new documentary and more touring on the West Coast. Wlhen not on the road, Bill continues to teach 24 ukulele students each week.

At the invitation of the Guinness Book of World Records, Tapia is submitting documentation to cement his status as the world’s oldest professional musician for a possible new record category. Come, be inspired and be a part of this historic evening.

Sponsored by the Fresno Folklore Society. Tickets for this concert may be purchased two weeks prior to the event at The Movies Video Store; Patrick’s Music, National Hardware, Gift Shop at the Fresno Art Museum or phone 431-3653.

Tuesday, February 21
7 PM
Polly Victor will be presenting a report on the recent national meeting of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). This report will take place during Peace Fresno's nonbusiness meeting which is held at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence. The FCNV is located at 1584 N Van Ness

The FCNL is a long time Quaker lobbying group that works with federal legislators and the public with information and guides for action. Polly Victor states that some of the items discussed at the annual meeting will be of interest to the progressive and peace groups of Fresno.

The public is invited to hear this presentation. There is no admission charge, although seating is limited. For more information, please call Peace Fresno at 487-2515.

Wednesday, February 22
8:30 pm (Doors Open at 7:30 pm)
BOB MARLEY'S WAILERS

Wendy Russell Presents along with Renegade Productions proudly bring back Bob Marley's orginal band: The Wailers in celebration of Marley's birthday. After successfully completing a sold out 2005 tour led by Aston "Family Man" Barrett, The Wailers plan to carry on the spirit and musical dominance that was created by Bob Marley and the Wailers with another tour. Their Fresno date is slated for Wednesday, February 22 at the Tower Theater. Doors open at 7:30 for this all_ages show and music starts at 8:30. Advance tickets are $23 and can be purchased at the Tower Theater Box Office, the Brass Unicorn or through Wendy Russell Presents 209_556_9676. Creidt card purchase can be made at www.renegadeshows.com and jambasetickets.com or by calling 530_583_2801

Recognized throughout the world as the architect of reggae, "Family Man" created a music genre that rose to world domination when he teamed up with Bob Marley as his bassist and musical director to form Bob Marley and the Wailers. "Family Man" and his band, The Wailers, continue to tour the world leaving no doubt that the musical legacy he and Bob Marley created would continue.

As The Wailers embark on their 34th tour of the world, "Family Man" has pushed the limits of The Wailers, by assembling original band members that toured with Bob Marley making this reunion an unprecedented musical event. The 2006 world tour will be one of the most defining events since music fans have discovered the soul stirring magic of reggae.

The name Wailers first applied to groups led by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston in the mid_sixties, when ska was the ruling sound in Jamaican music. By the end of the decade this triumvirate had teamed up with the Barrett brothers and begun to dominate the early reggae scene, recording untold hits for producer Lee "Scratch" Perry. After signing to Island Records in 1971, the name Wailers referred to Bob Marley's band. When Peter and Bunny left the group two years later, the position of musical director was officially passed onto Aston "Family Man" Barrett and his late brother Carlton, who died in 1987. Bob Marley and The Wailers would then go on to break musical history by selling well over 250 million records worldwide. Clearly,

"Family Man" is the sole beneficiary of The Wailers' mantle and whilst other long_standing members still record and tour with the band, it is Marley's former bassist and musical arranger, "Family Man", who continues to spread his musical legacy. The lead singer is former City Heat vocalist Gary "Nesta" Pine, who is widely regarded as The Wailers' best front man since the late, great Bob himself.

In summary, The Wailers Band remains the world's ultimate roots rock reggae outfit. No other aggregation can match them for either the depth or quality of their hit songs, or their widespread appeal. The cap still fits, and yes, the crowd still wants more.

For more information contact 209/556-2676 pr 530 583-2801.

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

Saturday, February 25
12 Noon
The National Action (NAN) California chapter has open its doors in Fresno. There will be a Grand Opening Celebration at 1131 F Street in Fresno.

The Rev. Floyd D. Harris, Jr. The state president under the leadership of the Rev. Al Sharpton of New York will be addressing guests. There will also be local speakers, entertainment and refreshments. For information call 264-0097

Saturday February 25
Full Circle Brewing Co. Presents
Saturday Afternoon Blues Jam
with Russ Allen-- everyone invited
3:00-7:00 pm $3. cover
"Belly Dancing" with Cory Zamora
8:00 pm $5. cover
620 F St.
Downtown Fresno
559 264-6323
www.fullcirclebrewing.com 

Saturday, February 25
3:30 PM
The Central Valley Progressive PAC meeting at the Center for Non Violence at 1584 N. Van Ness ( at Mc Kinley) For information www.cvppac.org

Saturday, February 25
8 PM
Mardi Gras Dance/Concert! Blues, Cajun and Zydeco. Bad Boys Zydeco, Mardi Gras Dance! at Fagan's Irish Pub, 2039 Kern and Van Ness, Fresno, CA ph (559) 266-0225 or Evo at 297-8966

Tickets are $10 at the door.

Evo Bluestein leads Bad Boys Zydeco on the Saturday prior to actual Fat Tuesday. The band includes Evo on button accordions and fiddle, drummer Chris Millar, A.C. Myles (guitar), Kevin Hill (bass) and John Shafer on scrubboard. Cajun and Zydeco dance lessons will be offered as part of the ticket price.

Monday, February 27
2 PM
The First Annual Community Rosa Parks Day. Join Senator Dean Florez and Councilwoman Cynthia Sterling as they officially dedicate the Rosa Parks Highway Interchange (highway 99 and Freeway 41). For more information, or the exact location of this event call (559) 264-3070.

March 2 - 11
The Rogue Festival

"We don't show the audience what they want to see now — we show the audience what they'll want to see in the future," said Marcel Nunis, founding creative director of the Rogue Performance Festival.

"The mission of the Rogue is to showcase new talent in the performing arts," continued Nunis. "When you come to the Rogue Festival, you'll see performances that are new, fresh, and might even make you a little uncomfortable. You go to the Rogue to see things you've never seen before — and quite possibly, you'll be one of the first to see the show everyone will be talking about in a few years.”

With the 2006 festival, the Rogue continues to bring the best new talent from the Central Valley and the world to Fresno. The 2006 Rogue Performance Festival will feature 55 art companies offering theater, music, dance, comedy, spoken word, performance art and gallery art.

The 2006 Rogue Performance Festival will take place at multiple locations in the Tower District and downtown Fresno.

Saturday, March 4 (tentative)
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and CSUF Women's Studies is presenting "A Single Woman", the life of Jeanette Rankin at CSUF

Wednesday, March 8
All Day
International Women’s Day. For more information see:
http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/women/womday97.htm 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women's_Day

Wednesday, March 8
12 Noon & 7:30 PM
"Children in the Crossfire" Second Wednesday of each month Video Program at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence at1584 N. Van Ness in Fresno (Across from Fresno City College * SE Corner Van Ness & McKinley * Entrance on Van Ness)

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

Saturday, March 11
6 PM - Midnight
Mardi Gras Style Fundraiser to help the victims of the Tragic Hurricanes of 2005 at the ARMY National Guard Armory, 701 E. Yosemite in Madera. More information about this event is available from the Madera NAACP chapter: (559) 232_8659 email: gloryb2Hisname@aol.com

Wednesday, March 15
Deadline for articles and calendar items to the April, 2006 Community Alliance newspaper. Send information to AllianceEditor@Comcast.net

Saturday, March 18
Peace Fresno is organizing a march and rally to end the war in Iraq. Rally in the Valley will be held
(tentatively) at courthouse park in downtown Fresno.

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

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

Saturday, March 25
6 PM Reception
7 PM Dinner
8 PM Keynote speaker
The Reverend Al Sharpton will be the keynote speaker at the first annual Scales of Justice Awards Banquet at the Radisson Hotel (Ventura & M in Fresno). Theme: Taking “Justice for All” to another level. Sponsored by the National Action Network and the West Fresno Democratic Club. For more information call (559) 264-0097.

Friday, March 31
7 PM
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will be appearing at Modesto JC East Campus Gym. The college is located at 436 College Ave., Modesto. Tickets are $10 general, $8 students and seniors, and $100 VIP seating (includes private reception). His appearance is in conjunction with Earth Day activities. Phone 209-575-6866 for VIP reservations.

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

Monday, May 1
International Workers Day. The Community Alliance newspaper will show the movie THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED. Time and place will be announced soon.

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.

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).