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HELLA FRESNO is Doing Hella Cool Things
By I. smiley G. | smileycalderon@gmail.com
Thereis a special vibe about Fresno that is undeniable. A vibe of hustle and flow, one of grit and glory, that keeps the city palpable and moving. You can see it in its vibrant food culture and late-night food trucks, in the entertaining pop-up vendor events, sessions, and shows—a sense of excited urgency mixed with resilience. The vibe is ‘hella Fresno.’ That is to say, very ‘Fresno’.
At least that’s how the local popular Chicano artist and graphic designer, Roeski Doeski characterizes it. One day, outside, he saw a man casually barbecuing on an upside-down metal shopping cart that he had converted into a fully functional makeshift barbecue grill, carefully lined with aluminum foil, grilling like a boss. The first thing that came to Roeski’s mind was: man, that’s hella Fresno.
And Roeski does not mean this as an insult, either.
It’s a compliment, really. This barbecue dude didn’t let his lack of a grill stop him from grilling. No, instead, he improvised and made something out of nothing—a resilience that many hustling Fresnans can relate to and respect.
In this sense, this relatively new adjective, ‘hella’ (it was only added to the Oxford English Dictionary some twenty years ago), implies intensity. Synonyms include ‘very’ or ‘extremely.’ It is not derogatory at all, and it has nothing to do with actual ‘hell’ itself. It’s a word that gained popularity among the youth in the Bay Area and then spread to the Central Valley. ‘Hella’ is a unique and youthful word that Fresno has embraced. And Roeski loves the idea that he can use this neologism to express pride in his city, even with all its rawness and reality, successes and flaws. He loves it so much that he designs artwork featuring the phrase ‘Hella Fresno’ alongside his partner, Jenn Guerrero, an embroiderer. Roeski designs the artwork to make stickers, pins, T-shirts, and Jenn can turn them into patches. It’s ‘hella cool,’ for sure. They even named their art partnership, public art studio, and gallery space ‘Hella Fresno.’ The name says it all.
Hella Fresno is excited for you to take pride in being from Fresno and wants you to love living here as much as they do.
To Roeski and Jenn, Hella Fresno is a special space that showcases the best of
the Fresno art scene. They are located at the former Bitwise building, 700 Van Ness Ave. In just a few years, they have captured this artistic spirit and shared it with the community by hosting numerous interactive art shows in the city, amassing thousands of followers across town and on social media. Hella Fresno also offers art workshops throughout the year for all ages, especially kids, and hosts a popular artist mentorship program. They were recip
Roeski, Jenn is the “brains of the operation,” and, according to her, she’s also the “muscles,” as she’s the one who implements art show deadlines for the highlighted artists—something crucial when working with a group of creatives. Jenn is also skilled in bookkeeping and paperwork and was instrumental in securing the Measure P grant award, which has significant-
drawing and painting skills at the School Of The Arts. He loves being an artist and wants to share his passion with Fresno youth at his ‘old stomping grounds’ within the city.
Another equally important goal is to support other local fellow artists by giving them exposure.
ients of Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant funding last year and have applied again for this year’s round of funding.
Roeski is the curator and lead creative director of the Hella Fresno team (although he doesn’t think Jenn is any less creative). He is the recipient of the 2022 Fresno Arts Council Horizon Award, which recognizes his significant contributions to the arts in Fresno. However, according to
Jenn make a great team.
One of Hella Fresno’s main goals is to keep visual art alive by bringing it to underrepresented and underserved communities, especially in Downtown Fresno and the Tower District—but everywhere else in Fresno, too—including North, South, and Central Fresno, the East side, and the West side. Roeski grew up on the East side and went to Roosevelt High School, where he nurtured his artistry and developed his
“Our original goal was basically to help out fellow artists,” Roeski admits. “That was the main goal. So it kinda evolved them into postcards, or just something that local and visiting people alike could come out to buy—local art, Fresno souvenirs.”
Roeski is also a socially conscious artist who uses his artwork to express his political views on current events. He is passionate about sharing this kind of art form.
“I think that’s my main passion,” Roeski confesses. “I’ve always wanted to
One of Fresno’s largest public art displays now covers the 180 freeway pillars in this South Tower park
Leaders with the South Tower Community Land Trust say the murals are just one of several investments they’d like to see in parks and green space for their neighborhood that was transformed by the construction of the 180 freeway.
By Julianna Morano | julianna@fresnoland.org
[This story was originally published by Fresnoland, a nonprofit news organization]
RobertAmador’s eyes kept welling up when he was trying to work on his murals in Fresno’s San Pablo Park.
It wasn’t because of lingering Fresno allergies. Or the exhaust from the semitrucks barreling by above the park, which sits underneath the 180 freeway. Instead, it was at the sight of so many fellow Fresno artists at work in the same place at the same time.
“This is, for sure,” he said, “almost like a mecca that’s being created in Fresno. I can’t really think of anything else that’s like this.”
He wasn’t the only one that felt that way, working on the new murals adorning 20 freeway overpass pillars in the South Tower park.
Teresa Flores, who grew up near Fashion Fair but now lives in East Los Angeles, came back to town to work on the project.
“I don’t think a lot of artists ever really get to see something like that,” she said of her similar view of a park full of artists, oftentimes from 20-plus-feet in the air on a scissor lift to scale the imposing columns.
“It was like a studio without walls.”
The San Pablo Park murals represent the largest public art installation in Fresno since the Fulton Mall, according to Lilia Gonzáles Chávez, executive director of the Fresno Arts Council.
The project, funded through CalTrans’ Clean California Beautification program, brought together almost a dozen Fresno artists as well as a handful of muralists from across the state.
But the park itself, and the unique canvas the murals are painted on in San Pablo, come with a troubled legacy.
The construction of the 180 freeway through the South Tower neighborhood in the 90s echoes the story of other American highway construction projects over the past century: It cleared out homes and disrupted the neighborhood irrevocably, said longtime resident Kiel Lopez-Schmidt.
“The whole intention of the 180 freeway was to enable sprawl,” said Lopez-Schmidt, who is now executive director of the South Tower Community Land Trust.
“It was not intended to be a benefit for our neighborhood.”
Some have also criticized the city for building a park like San Pablo right underneath the freeway. Studies — as well as
guidelines from the state Attorney General’s Office — have urged the maintenance of buffer zones between truck routes on major roadways and sensitive sites like parks to ward off adverse health effects from particulate matter.
That makes the over decade-old South Tower park, in some ways, emblematic of a time now past, when the city was desperately trying to build parks without the proper resources, said Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias.
But it’s a new day with the revenue the Measure P sales tax has generated for Fresno parks since voters approved it in 2018. And bringing more color and beauty to San Pablo Park is just one step toward delivering the kinds of public spaces that South Tower residents deserve, said Lopez-Schmidt, whose organization coordinated three of the 20 murals.
“Hopefully, that’s followed up with some city investment in the amenities in this park,” he said, “so that we can really make sure the park is well used and for everybody.”
A walk in the park
Strolling through San Pablo Park, you can see familiar Fresno sights enshrined across
the towering freeway infrastructure in the new murals.
Local icons, from activist Gloria Hernandez to writer William Saroyan, peer out from some of the pillars.
There are also multiple homages to the city’s street vendors.
That includes Flores’ pillar, which features monumental, over-20-foot-tall elotes on each side. Surrounding the elotes are jumbo chicharrones — blown up from their typical 2 or 3-inch scale to “like 5 feet,” Flores said.
By showcasing “the grand scale of the elote” and other beloved Mexican street foods, she said, she was hoping people would sit a little longer with the food they might typically scarf down in a matter of minutes (or seconds).
“Yes it’s culture, but there’s a lot of work that goes into preparing it,” she said, from the farm workers who harvest the food to the vendors who assemble it into the street foods everyone knows and loves.
Right beside Flores’ pillar is one of Amador’s, depicting a paletero.
“It’s a tribute to the on-foot ice cream men that I saw growing up,” said Amador, who spent his early years in southeast Fresno.
Photos by Julianna Morano
Photos by Julianna Morano
The Valley Music Hall of Fame Announces the 2025 inductees And The Award Goes To:
By Don Priest | kfsrbluesdog@gmail.com
For the 5th consecutive year, The Valley Music Hall of Fame continues its mission of honoring artists who have made significant contributions to the Valley’s musical heritage, Joining the ranks of honorees this year are Rock & Roll Bassist Bill Church; Folkloric Singer Songwriter Agustin Lira: Blues Artist Omar Sharriff; American Pop Vocalist Jo Stafford; and Folk Music Producer Pat Wolk.
The Induction ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 17th at Roger Rockas Dinner Theater. The dinner & show celebration will feature award presentations, special guests, and musical performances. Ticket information will be available soon.
The Inductees
Bill Church was a “military brat” who started playing guitar in Germany in early 1960’s with some other military brats and switched to bass when the bass player’s parents got ‘rotated.’ Upon his family’s return the states in 1964, Bill started playing the Reno casino circuit. The big break came in
got to know all the key rock & roll figures in the area, including Ronnie Montrose and Bill Graham. Those connections led to Bill and Ronnie being hired by Van Morrison to play and tour on his “Tupelo Honey” and “Saint Dominic Preview” albums. Montrose formed his own band in 1973 with Bill on bass and 24-year-old Sammy Hagar on vocals. Sammy then formed his band in 1975 and took bill with him. The two stayed together for 10 years, touring, and recording multiple albums. That partnership ended when Sammy joined Van Halen in 1985. Bill then went into semi-retirement and came to Fresno to live close to his parents, who had relocated here in 1967.
Agustin Lira is a Folkloric singer, songwriter, and musical theater director. Born in Coahuila, Mexico, he and his family emigrated to US in 1952 to work the fields and follow the crops up and down the San Joaquin Valley before finally settling in Selma. In 1965, at the age of 19, Agustin cofounded “El Teatro Campesino” with Luis Valdez
throughout the United States. Lira’s singing and songwriting about the trials that confronted his community were at the heart of “El Teatro Campesino” and established his role as the preeminent musical voice of the early Chicano Movement. In 1969 he left “El Teatro Campesino” to continue his work in music and theater and in 1971 formed “El Teatro de la Tierra” that performed throughout Southern California. He also taught drama, music, and creative writing at universities, schools, and community organizations throughout California. Agustin now resides in Fresno and teaches music to young people in the inner-city of Fresno and continues to write songs and plays.
Omar Sharriff – (aka Omar the Magnificent, aka Dave Alexander) was a Blues singer, songwriter, and self-taught piano player who played with Big Mama Thornton, Jimmy Witherspoon, Albert Collins, and other blues greats before moving to Fresno in the early ‘80s. He came here from Oakland and brought the West Coast Oakland Vibe with him after playing numerous gigs in the legendary “Eli’s Mile High Club” in West Oakland and “Minnie’s Can-Do Club” in San Francisco’s Filmore district. He is known here for efficiently running the Monday Night Blues Jam at Zapp’s Park and other Fresno venues for seven years, where he encouraged and schooled anyone who wanted to play. Under his direction, The Monday Night Blues Jams became both a meeting place and training ground for local blues players and he helped launch several careers. He also performed as a soloist and in small combos at smaller venues around Fresno and brought other renowned players including Charlie Musselwhite and Albert Collins to play with him in these intimate settings.
The Omar led Monday Night Blues Jams at Zapp’s Park are still talked about today.
Jo Elizabeth Stafford (from Coalinga) was an American traditional pop singer whose career spanned five decades from the late
How it Happens
Almost eight years ago, a group of local music aficionados decided it was time to create a mechanism for calling attention to and honoring our Valley’s rich musical heritage. To accomplish this, they decided to create a “Hall of Fame” for the Valley’s musical talent. But they didn’t want it to be just a popularity contest. There had to be some “meat on the bones” of the selection process. So, after a significant amount of research into how other music halls of fame select inductees, they crafted a plan that calls for community members to submit nominations, along with substantial documentation. The nominations are then evaluated based on a scoring rubric that was also adapted from other music hall of fame organizations. It measures several levels of professional achievement as well as dedication to community service. It’s been ‘tweaked’ a bit over the years but serves the purpose well and takes most of the subjectivity out of the selection process.
Any community member is welcome to nominate a deserving musician, producer, writer, educator, or venue – regardless of genre – for induction. Forms are available at the Valley Music Hall of Fame website: (www.valleymusichalloffame.org)
1930s to the early 1980s. She made her first musical appearance at age 12 with her two older sisters. In 1938 she met the Pied Pipers and became the group’s lead singer. Bandleader Tommy Dorsey hired them in 1939 to perform vocals with his orchestra. An innovated arraigner (and reputed to have perfect pitch) Jo’s work with the Pied Pipers revolutionized harmony singing in the big band era. During WWII she toured exten-
He designed the mural about two years ago, when the Fresno Arts Council — which administered the project — first sent out a request for proposals. It’s taken on a new meaning for him since then, both fol lowing additional attacks on street vendors throughout California and the launch of an aggressive crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration.
“Every single time I see them,” he said of the neighborhood paleteros, “I have that heart drop — this fear of like, hopefully that man makes it home. Hopefully nothing happens to him.”
Another thing several of the murals have in common is bright blue skies, despite the perpetual shadow the overpass casts over the park.
Caleb Duarte’s murals take that a step further.
His pillars feature colossal sequoias on one side and children relaxing in nature on the opposite. Above the children Duarte and his team painted blue semicircles, representing “portals,” he said, or almost “a cracking of the freeway” to the sky above.
“Our kids haven’t even been up there from our communities,” he said of the national parks near Fresno, home to the giant sequoias and wide open skies, “because of lack of access.
“So we’re making it here.”
Fighting for green space in South Tower
Lopez-Schmidt and his South Tower neighbors have watched the highway transform their neighborhood over the past several decades.
It set them back from cultivating a “healthy business corridor” along nearby Belmont Avenue, as gas stations and liquor stores clustered around the freeway entrance.
That leaves them worried about the park that now stands under the 180. Lopez-Schmidt said they often find broken glass and discarded needles in the woodchips surrounding the playground structure.
“For a lot of parents,” he said, “I’ve heard that this is not a safe place.”
Arias, the councilmember who represents South Tower, said the park was built at a time when the city was “resource-poor.”
“We were trying to give kids something to do with zero money,” he said. “Now, we have an abundance of resources thanks to Measure P. The state and the city are now actively funding these things.
“Now, we can actually build parks to standards and in areas that actually fit the expectations of good planning, best practices
and ensuring the health and safety of users,” he added, “especially kids.”
In addition to the murals, the land trust is pushing for the city to make other investments in San Pablo Park as well.
That includes a redesign that would replace San Pablo Park’s woodchips with rubberized material that can’t as easily conceal dangerous debris. The redesign also proposes removing the playground structure and installing things like basketball courts and a skateboarding plaza instead.
The next step is to allocate funding for construction of the San Pablo Park redesign, which Arias said the city is still working on.
The city has already found funding for another park in the South Tower neighborhood: Broadway Parque, which is slated for a ribbon-cutting later this month, Arias said.
That park is the product of years of advocacy efforts from Lopez-Schmidt and his South Tower neighbors, who fought to have it built on the site of a decommissioned police substation on the corner of Broadway and Elizabeth Street.
‘That’s my kid’s
favorite’
Fresno artist Steven Camacho Nuñez used to live across the street from the Ted C. Wills Community Center, around the corner from San Pablo Park. He remembers playing hideand-seek around the neighborhood before the park existed.
It’s hard for Camacho Nuñez to believe that he’s now one of the artists that took on a massive mural project in his old neighborhood. He designed his pillar with the next generation of young people that will come to the park in mind.
“That pillar I wanted to be kid-friendly, so I used a lot of bright colors, a lot of recognizable landmarks,” he said, which includes the Tower Theatre’s iconic spire. “I kept the design really simple, not to overcomplicate it for the kids.”
Amador’s heard his paletero mural is popular with the kids in the area already.
Some neighbors who stopped by while he was working on his second mural would ask which other one was his, and when he told them it was the paletero, “They’d go: That’s my kid’s favorite,” he said.
“I’ve heard a lot of people say, that looks like my grandpa,” he added. “That looks like my uncle.
“It’s like, yeah — it looks like my grandpa, my uncle, too.”
Photos by Julianna Morano
NEW DOWNTOWN BARS IN FRESNO
By Grace E. Cha | gellecha7@gmail.com
wind down after a hard day’s work, or just looking to cruise downtown for a drink and a meal, check out these new bars opening up in
With cocktails that run $7.50, restaurant and bar, The Cave is located at the Sun Stereo Warehouse on Fulton Street in Downtown Fresno. With a full bar, the Cave will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, then 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturdays and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
The Layover
With live music as the main attraction, beer is plentiful, and cocktails, including a Fresno version of a Singapore Sling (formerly a Tokyo Gardens favorite). Located at 1243 Fulton Street, the Layover presents itself as a pub and has hosted live shows since last year.
Stage Depot Whiskey Lounge
In the works for three years, the Stage Depot Whiskey Lounge has been a highly anticipated bar at the corner of Fulton and Mono Streets. They are looking for investors, but have their liquor license, says owner Pete Hernandez, as quoted in The Fresno Bee. Inside, the bar is complete with huge, uniquely designed hanging chandeliers and modern architecture.
Neat & Noir
Once a wine Bar at the Peerless building, cocktail bar Neat & Noir has opened in its place. Owner Eric Santos wants to specialize in coffee-based cocktails and mocktails, focusing on wine, but not beer. Neat & Noir 1755 Broadway Street. Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Thursdays and Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
For those of you who want to go alcohol-free, the Lumiere Sober Bar is a new alternative in Fresno that serves adaptogenic and nootropic drinks. These types of drinks help the body respond naturally to stress and improve cognitive function. Owner Joy Alvarado opened the bar after her drinks became popular at her candle-making workshops. Reservations are accepted at $25 per person, which includes two drink tickets. Patrons can also purchase cans, bottles, and cases to take home. Juan G. is quoted on a Yelp review as saying, “This is what Fresno needs! A complete non-alcoholic bar with an amazing atmosphere, phenomenal drinks, and amazing friendly staff. The michelada was delicious and one of the best I’ve had.”
Suppose you are curious about adaptogenic and nootropic drinks. In that case, they are plant-powered drinks that give a natural buzz without alcohol and leave you feeling refreshed with no hangover the next day. It’s all the rage for a high vibe social scene, as written on the Lumiere Sober Bar website, located at 736 Fulton St, Fresno.
Grace is a local writer and published author. You can reach her at gellecha7@gmail.com.
Lumiere Sober Bar
Calendar
Arts
Art Hop
The first Thursday of every month 5pm9pm Meter and garage parking around the event will be $10 all day until 9pm.
Theater
Disney’s Frozen
The Broadway Musical 8/9, 8/10, 8/148/17, 8/21-8/24, 8/28, 8/29, 8/30, 8/31, 9/4- 9/7, 9/11-9/14, 9/18-9/21
Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre 1226 North Wishon Avenue, Fresno. Thursdays, 5 pm | Fridays & Saturdays, 5:30 pm | Sundays, 11 am $45-$79
CMT Presents
The Wizard of Oz Friday, Aug 8, 7:30pm, Aug 9, 7:30pm, Aug 9, 2025 2pm, Aug 10, 2025 2pm Fresno Memorial Auditorium 2425 Fresno St
American Summer Film
Wet Hot American Summer Film Screening Fri Aug 22, 2025 8pm A time-capsule of early career moments for a raft of wellliked stars and an entertaining classic throwback to the heyday of raunchy 80’s comedies. Set on the last day of camp, in the hot summer of 1981, a group of counselors try to complete their unfinished business before the day ends Featuring an all star cast of then unknowns. Directed by David Wain (2001) Tower Theatre
Eric Ochoa
Foo’s Got Talent Live Sat Aug 23, 2025 7pm Doors, 8pm Show - 13+ Eric G. Ochoa, widely known as SupereeeGO! This multi-talented Chicano (Mexican-American) actor and comedian has made waves on YouTube, where his vibrant personality shines through.
Dracula
A Comedy of Terrors 8/29-8/31, 9/49/7, 9/11-9/14, 9/18-9/21, 9/259/28, 10/2-10, 10/9-10/12, 10/1610/19 2nd Space Theatre 928 East Olive Avenue, Fresno. Thursdays, 7:30 pm | Friday & Saturday, 8 pm | Sunday, 2 pm $24.76-$29.49
Justin Willman
One For The Ages Tour Thu Sep 04, 2025 6pm Doors, 7pm Show - All Ages Willman is best known as the star and creator of Netflix’s Magic for Humans and Magic Prank Show, where his signature mix of mind-blowing magic and relatable humor has made him a streaming favorite, a viral hit (1 billion views and counting), and a fan favorite for families, comedy lovers, and skeptics alike. Tower Theatre
Family
United Skates of America
$7 Monday Family Fun Night! Clovis. Every Monday Night | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM ONLY $7.00! (Skate Rental $6.00) Bring the entire family and all your friends for an affordable night of roller skating fun! What to Expect: Café Specials, Arcade Deals All Night, Great Music & Family-Friendly Atmosphere, Fun for All Ages! 2881 Peach Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612 559-291-0242 www.UnitedSkates.com/ Clovis
Swing Dance
Tuesday night swing. We’ll teach you the steps you need to know to learn how to partner swing dance. No partner? No problem. Our classes are social and rotate partners, and you’ll meet a ton of cool, new people. Find out more fresnoswingdance.com
Monster Jam
Freestyle Mania August 15, 2025 Save Mart Center at Fresno State 2650 E. Shaw Ave. 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
August 17 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Hanford Gem & Mineral Show
August 30 10-5pm 400 N Douty St, Hanford
American Legion Car Show
September 6 9-3pm Car and Motorcycle Show 2025 Nine separate categories for trophies, and $200 for the best in show. Entry fee only $25.00 / day of show
$30.00 Questions call Roland 559-9940509 or Raul 559-908-4587 3509 N First st.
Fresno Toy-Anime-Comic Con
Sunday, September 07, 2025 11am4pm Parking is FREE. Cameras are ok DRESS TO IMPRESS! The Cosplay (Costume) Contest is promptly at 2:30pm! Please sign up in advance the day of near the Admissions table! All ages are welcome! Entrance is $8, but if you mention the flyer/coupon (cover photo of the event) we will take $1 off making it only $7. American Legion Post Hall 3509 N First St
Greek Fest
Friday, September 19th, 4:00pm to 10:00pm Saturday, September 20th, 11:00am to 11:00pm Sunday September 21st, 11:00am to 8:00pm more information fresnogreekfest.com
Scottish Gathering
48th Annual Scottish Gathering Fresno and Kearney September 20 Park 6725 W Kearney HIGHWAY 180 (WHITESBRIDGE) to Fair then California. www. fresnoscottishsociety.com
Crayfish Festival
Come to Downtown Kingsburg and enjoy the Kingsburg Crayfish Festival! September 20 6-930PM Crayfish Chowder Cook Off featuring Local Restaurants, Crayfish Boil & Crayfish Chowder, Crayfish Eating Contest, Cornhole Tournament (Great Prizes), Beer Garden, Bounce Houses, Craft & Food Vendors, Live Music.
Mansion Museum Tours
Book now and bring your family and friends to the Kearney Historic Site inside of Kearney Park for a very special guided Twilight Tour every Thursday Evening, that captures the magic of the evening hours and provides a glimpse of the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural beginnings through the life and times of M. Theo Kearney - an agricultural pioneer who came to be known as the Raisin King of California. www.valleyhistory.org
Promote your event with us. Email us info@fresnoflyer.com FRESNOFLYER.COM
July - September
Gabby’s Dollhouse LIVE! September 24th 6pm Saroyan Theatre. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! brings to life an exciting original story featuring unique puppets, dynamic staging, and favorite songs including “Sprinkle Party”, “Hey Gabby”, “Music In You”, “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me” and many others that will have audiences singing and dancing along, from beginning to end.
Fresno Koi Show
The 45th Annual Fresno Koi Show Septeber 27 9am hosted by CCKS at Woodward Park in partnership with the Shinzen Friendship Garden. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for supporting the koi show: Presenting Sponsor: Hikari USA. There will be beautiful koi on display competing for awards, vendors, raffles, silent auction, and koi fish and food sold. Admission is free and the koi show is open to the public. Fresno Koi Show Hours: Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm More information is available online at: https://cencalkoi. com/koi-show/
ClovisFest
50th annual ClovisFest and Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly this September 27th and 28th from 8am-5pm. Visit Old Town Clovis for ClovisFest, a free two day family event! Experience cultural performances and adventures at Visit Fresno County’s International Village on 4th street. Don’t miss the hot air balloons, unique crafts, and festival foods. Head to the Clovis Rodeo grounds before sunrise to catch the hot air balloons inflate around 6:15 am and lift off at dawn, weather permitting. Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides are offered at a first come first serve basis. Tickets are sold on the morning of the event. The balloon goes up 100 ft and back down on a tethered rope. Children must be able to stand, no infants or babies. No pets allowed. For information on the event or how to be a vendor, clovischamber.com/events/clovis_fest
DAD’S COOKIES
Fresh Baked Downtown: Dad’s Cookies Brings Gooey Gourmet to the Heart of Fresno
Afamiliar sweet treat is making its way into Downtown Fresno—and you won’t need to track down the food truck to get your fix. Dad’s Cookies, the family-run bakery known for its irresistibly gooey, “made-with-love” cookies, is opening its first-ever standalone storefront in the heart of the city, and it’s already creating plenty of buzz.
A Personal Touch in Every Bite
Founded in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, what began as a spark of creativity from owner Lance Sanchez and his daughter, Haivyn, has transformed into a beloved local brand. Lance, a Fresno native and former bakery assistant at Eddie’s, perfected a rich, chewy chocolate chip recipe that became a family favorite. When he was laid off in 2020, he partnered with Haivyn— who brought restaurant marketing experience—to launch Dad’s Cookies online and at farmers markets. Their delicious treats and heartfelt branding quickly captured the community’s attention.
“Some of the sweetest things in life are born out of love… I like to think they can taste the love in every bite.” — Lance Sanchez.
By Kalian Tharp
They began with pop-ups, online orders, and locations inside gas stations. However, as of now, those locations have been closed, allowing the team to focus entirely on their next chapter: opening a permanent home in downtown Fresno.
Why Downtown?
The new storefront will bring Dad’s signature sticky, gooey, hand-packed cookies to one of the city’s most energetic neighborhoods—Fulton & Inyo Street, right next to Sun Stereo Warehouse and directly across from Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden. It’s a significant step for the growing brand and an opportunity to establish their operation in a place that reflects their passion for community, creativity, and connection.
What to Expect Inside
Once open, the shop will serve a rotating menu of fresh-baked cookies made with care and high-quality ingredients. Standouts include:
• A fan favorite: Cookies N Cream—made with a cookies n cream dough, Oreo pieces, and white chocolate chips.
• What they feel is the best cookie: Classic
Chocolate Chip—the one that started it all, baked initially by Lance for his daughters long before Dad’s Cookies became a business.
You’ll also see popular picks like Snickerdoodle, Peanut Butter, and the fully loaded Kitchen Sink (pretzels, butterscotch, Ruffles chips, chocolate, and pecans!).
Until the storefront is ready, they’ll continue operating their food truck at local events across the Central Valley.
From Food Truck to Fest Favorite
Dad’s Cookies initially captured hearts on the streets—literally. Starting as a mobile operation during the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve been a staple at farmers’ markets, weddings, and events like FresYes Fest, where they’ve built a loyal following one gooey bite at a time.
“We really just want people to feel the love behind what we do. This new space downtown will let us take that to the next level.”
The Sweet Scoop
• Opening Date: TBD – The storefront is in the early stages of a complete buildout. An estimated date is coming soon.
• Location: Downtown at Fulton & Inyo Street, inside The Garage, next to Sun Stereo Warehouse and across from Tioga.
• Hours: Currently vary based on weekly events. The food truck schedule is posted every Tuesday on social media and sent out via email.
Whether you’ve followed them since the early pop-up days or just discovered them at a street fair, Dad’s Cookies is ready to make Downtown Fresno just a little sweeter. This isn’t just another cookie shop—it’s a family story baked into every bite, and a local business built on hustle, heart, and a whole lot of melted chocolate chips. When the new shop opens its doors, expect gooey goodness, warm smiles, and a vibe that feels like home. Until then, you can still catch the Dad’s Cookies food truck at events all over the Central Valley. They post their weekly schedule every Tuesday on Instagram and send updates through their email newsletter—so keep an eye out if you’re craving something sweet (or need an excuse to leave the house).
Follow: @dadscookies.co Newsletter sign-up & more info: www. dadscookies.co
Pro tip: grab an extra cookie. You’ll thank yourself later.
Gazebo Garden
TRUCK TRUCK TRUCK TRUCK YEAH!
Riverpark Farmers Market Enzos Table
Lifestyle Market
Tower District
Farmers Market
Sierra Vista Mall
RiverparkMarketFarmers
Every Tuesday 5-9pm @riverparkfarmersmarket fresno 7753 N Via Del Rio
Enzo’s Table
Multiple days a @enzos.tableweek 2888 E Shepherd Ave
Clovis Farmers Market
Every Friday night 5:30- 8:30 until September 26th Pollasky Avenue
Tower District
Find multiple trucks Friday and Saturday evenings on the streets of Olive in Tower
Lifestyle Market
Every Wednesday 3-9pm 21 E Shaw Ave
Gazebo Garden
Thursday-Saturday 5-9 3204 N Van Ness Blvd, @gazebogarden
Brewery District
Find trucks throughout downtown and events like Art Hop every first Thursday of every month
Sierra Vista Mall
Friday Nights 5-9pm Clovis ave & Santa Ana ave @fresnostreeteats
Come experience Tower's newest brewery! A familyfriendly place where all are welcome. Join the fun at Summer Fox Brewing!
Mention code PINT4U at any location to receive a $5 pint
6585 N. Santa Fe Fresno, CA 93722
2700 Clovis Ave Clovis, CA 93612
1422 N. Van Ness Fresno, CA 93728
Sports
Fresno Grizzlies
vs Stockton Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025
6:50pm Wednesday, Aug 13, 2025
6:50pm Thursday, Aug 14, 2025
6:50pm Friday, Aug 15, 2025 7:05pm Saturday, Aug 16, 2025 6:50pm Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 5:05pm Chukchansi Park 1800 Tulare St
Golf Tournament
1st Annual Golf Tournament benefitting Habitat for Humanity Mon, 22 Sep, 2025 at 12:00 am Fort Washington Country Club 10272 N Millbrook Ave, Fresno.
Community
LGBTQ+ Games
Play games with old and new friends and enjoy snacks and beverages on us! Join us for a FUN evening, every forth Wednesday of month. Large selection of board and card games or bring your own. LGBTQ+ and allies of all ages are welcome. New faces always welcome! See you there! Want a reminder text? Send “games” (no quotes) to 5598621040. Fresno EOC Sanctuary LGBTQ Resource Center 1246 Fulton St.
Economic Empowerment Summit
Mark your calendars for our 2nd Annual Economic Empowerment Summit on Saturday, September 20, 2025! Join us to discover practical strategies and resources for achieving financial stability and building brighter futures. More information and registration coming soon. Follow us! @beyondhousingfresno
Music
Parker McCollum
Thursday, August 14, at 7:30 PM. F Selland Arena resno Convention & Entertainment Center 848 M Street
Bad for Businees Tour at Fulton 55 Sunday, August 24 7:30 - 10:30pm 21+ Doors at 7pm Fulton 875 Divisadero.
Puppeteer for Fears presents Robopocalypse: The Musical! With special musical guest: Blunderbusst Sunday, August 24 7:00 PM 11:00 PM Strummers 833 E Fern Ave. strummersclub.com
Brujoz, Rainbow City Park, Seven Asterisk, Bloodsugar, See Thru Wednesday, August 27 7:00 PM 11:00 PM Strummers 833 E Fern Ave. strummersclub.com
English Beat
Thursday, August 28, 2025
8:00 PM 9:00 PM 21+ Strummers 833 E Fern Ave. strummersclub.com
The Nu-Metal Party
Saturday, August 30 9:00 PM 10:00 PM Strummers 833 E Fern Ave. strummersclub.com
Molly Hatchet
Sat Aug 30, 2025 7:30pm - All Ages Tower Theatre
Sparklejet With Big Ser
New Old Man, & Seven Asterisk Sun Aug 31, 2025 7pm Doors, 8pm Show - All Ages Tower Theatre Lounge
Anthony Green
Geoff Rickly, Kurt Travis Tuesday, September 2 7:00 PM 11:30 PM Strummers 833 E Fern Ave. strummersclub. com
Matt Michienzie Band & The Kings River Boys Sun Sep 07, 2025 6pm Doors, 7pm Show - All Ages. Rooted in bluegrass and branching into jam, soul, and classic country, the Matt Michienzie Band brings a high-energy, genre-blending sound to the stage. Tower Theatre Lounge
Deathpop
Friday, September 5 8:00 PM 11:00 PM Strummers 833 E Fern Ave. strummersclub.com
Babes Against the Machine with Tribute of a Down September 12 9pm 21+ Fulton 55 875 Divisadero. fulton55.com
share what I do with other people. Just like all this shit that’s cracking off with ICE in the news really had me frustrated and made me feel like I needed to do something,” he recognizes. “I had that same feeling back in 2020 when the George Floyd protests were going on and I didn’t know what to do. I felt like, you know, helpless.” Roeski continues, “And so I just created. I mean, I start to create in these kinds of situations. Talking about current events, I made these sticker designs that say ‘Chinga tu MAGA’ [Fuck your MAGA] and ‘Chinga tu Migra’ [Fuck your Immigration Enforcement],” Roeski shares with a sense of pride.
When Latino street vendors were being violently targeted a few years back in Fresno, Roeski painted and sold exclusive portraits of them with their vendor pushcarts in solidarity and support. His heart is with the people, and his art reflects that.
Roeski created an extra special design for this past Independence Day.
“This recent design was ‘Fuck your Fourth’ just because of the shit that’s going on,” he admits. “How could I celebrate ‘fucking freedom’ when there’s Brown people getting fucking scooped up and fucking kidnapped? You know what I’m saying,” he emphasizes. “So, I went as far as saying, ‘Fuck your Fourth.’ I created this whole image that has the American flag in it with an eagle. And you know what I mean. And yeah, that’s just what I felt.”
Artists feel strongly—that’s a crucial fact—they are the pulse of society, its very gauge. Artists help the rest of us understand and process the times in which we live as they capture images, sounds, and motion that evoke empathy. Hella Fresno aims to foster this artistic freedom and empower-
aging Fresno artists to emerge and develop their artistic talents.
They exist to support local artists.
In fact, they are proud to stand behind one of their favorite local artists, Astro (IG: @astroartprojections) during her current battle against breast cancer. They have a fundraiser show scheduled for the August Arthop, on Thursday, August 7th, from 5p9p, which will highlight Astro’s artwork for sale. And, on Saturday, the 16th, around midday, another art show that features the donated artwork of local artists for sale is scheduled, with proceeds going to Astro.
In September, on Friday the 5th (time TBD), a special group art show is scheduled with the unique theme centered around nopales, the edible cacti that are ubiquitous in everyday Mexican cuisine. Hella Fresno is asking Mexican, Mexican-American, and Chicano artists to depict what it was like for them growing up Mexican or Mexican-American. They are asking artists to use the nopal somehow in the imagery that they create. Hella Fresno purposefully chose September for this unique show because it is the month of Mexican Independence, celebrated on September 16th, commemorating the start of the 1810 war for Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Hella Fresno is doing hella cool things in our community and for our community, and you should get involved—you don’t want to miss out on this special homegrown local piece of Fresno culture and craft.
For more information, reach out to Roeski (IG: @o.g_roeskidoeski) and Jenn (IG: @wander.with.me); Hella Fresno: https://linktr.ee/hellafresno; https://www. hellafresno.life; email: hellafresno@gmail. com; 700 Van Ness Ave, Fresno.
... Inductees cont’d from pg 5
sively with the USO, performing for troops overseas and earning the nickname “G.I. Jo.” Her version of “I’ll Be Seeing You” became an anthem for separated families. She was one of the most popular singers during the 1940’s and 50’s and recorded over 800 songs during her career. Jo also made numerous appearances on radio and TV, including The Ed Sullivan Show. She married musician/ arraigner Paul Weston in 1952 and in 1955 they founded Crest Records, which allowed her to take control over her career – a rarity for female singers on that era.
Pat Wolk has served over 20 years as the concert master and past president of the Fresno Folklore Society. She first became interested in folk music as a child watching Pete Seeger & Woody Guthrie perform, setting the stage for her life-long passion of presenting folk music and prompting her to
create an idyllic performance venue in her backyard. Her Wolk Garden Concerts are legendary and have hosted performances by Folk music luminaries such as Laurie Lewis, John McCutcheon, U. Utah Philips, Holly Near and many others. Her garden also hosts events for local folk musicians, including fund raisers, CD release parties & most recently the memorial gathering for drummer John Shafer. In addition to her Garden shows, she also produces concerts at other venues around Fresno, bringing some of the country’s finest folk musicians to town. Pat’s skill as a producer is “off the charts” as she handles all the details, from initial contact to final payout with ease and humor. She is also an accomplished photographer and contributed photos for Evo Bluesteins’ book, “The Road to Sweets Mill.” Pat recently celebrated her 91st birthday.
Tickets go on sale 8/15 for $100 at Roger Rocka’s
Fortune Feimster: Laughs, Life, and the Road Ahead — Fresno, Get Ready for November!
We caught up with the hilarious Fortune Feimster as she prepares for her upcoming show in Fresno this November. She opened up about staying true to herself, her exciting upcoming projects, and shared some memorable fan interactions. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: You’ve spoken about embracing who you are in both your comedy and life. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about staying true to yourself?
Fortune: “In life, I’ve just always been me. I didn’t really know how to be anything else. I think that just naturally translated into my comedy. I was told early on to just be who I am and to share the stories that I find funny. Those stories end up being fairly personal, so it’s allowed me to have a relationship with audiences that feels more familiar.”
Q: What’s coming up next for you? Are there any exciting projects you’re working on that we should look out for?
Fortune: “Right now, I’m most busy with this tour. It’ll go about a year and a half, 150 shows and 100 cities. In between, I’m always acting in various projects. I just did a part in Will Ferrell’s upcoming movie Judgment Day. I’ve also got a really fun part in Disney’s Zootopia 2. And there’s a lot of fun development I’m working on, so we’ll see!”
Q: Are there any do’s or don’ts when it comes to interacting with fans after a show?
Any memorable (or outrageous) fan stories that still make you laugh?
Fortune: “The best part of my job is getting to meet people. I’m always on the road, so I’m constantly interacting with people, and they are so lovely. I especially get a lot of high fives. I don’t have a ton of rules. I’d mainly say just don’t grab me too hard, lol. I can’t think of a specific interaction, but lately, people have been dressing like me in these big curly blonde wigs, and that is a trip to look out and see.”
Q: In FUBAR, the characters have to keep their cool in chaotic situations. What’s your go-to move when everything around you is going totally FUBAR?
Fortune: “I’m usually a pretty calm person. If anything, I’ll just start eating a cheeseburger.”
Q: If your character from FUBAR had a secret side gig or passion outside of the spy world, what do you think it would be?
Fortune: “I feel like she’d be something ridiculous and the exact opposite of a CIA agent. Roo would be like a lounge singer.”
Q: Fresno’s got a unique charm—have you spent any time here? If so, what’s your impression of the city? Are there any local spots, hidden gems, or activities you like or would like to do?
Fortune: “I believe this is my third time going to Fresno for shows. My first time was a show at Cal State Fresno with Adam Devine and Adam Ray, and we had a blast. Last tour, the audience was amazing, so I’m really looking forward to getting back there. There’s a Chinese restaurant in Fresno that’s
super popular on TikTok, and I drool over the food, so that will definitely be a stop.”
Don’t miss your chance to see Fortune Feimster live in Fresno this November! It’s bound to be a night of laughs and unforgettable moments.
Show: Sunday, November 23, 2025 7:00 PM Saroyan Theatre 700 M Street
21+
Boots In The Park
Fresno’s biggest party is back — Boots In The Park, Saturday, September 13th at Woodward Park starring country superstar Blake Shelton + Brett Young, Mackenzie Carpenter, Bryce Leatherwood & more! Get ready for a full day of live music, BBQ, whiskey tasting, cold beer, line dancing & more! It’s going down Sunday, September 14th with Party in The Park starring Mr. Worldwide — Pitbull! Plus, Lil Jon, Fat Joe, Ying Yang Twins & more. Enjoy a full day of hip-hop anthems, tequila tastings, and the biggest dance party of the year. Don’t miss Fresno’s biggest weekend of the year!
Old Dominion brings their How Good Is That world tour to the Save Mart Center with special supporting acts Ernest and Redferrin! September 20 7pm.
Jay Aston’s
Gene Loves Jezebel September 24 September 24, 2025 Fulton 55 875 Divisadero. fulton55.com
Chris Janson
Thursday, September 25! Presented by 93.7 Kiss Country and Michelob Ultra, the evening under the stars will also feature special guests Drew Baldridge, John Morgan & Joe Peters at the Rotary Amphitheatre at Woodward Park. Gates open at 6:00 PM; show starts at 6:45 PM. This is a general admission show, open to all ages. No outside food or beverage allowed. Tickets are $23 + fees each and can be purchased on online on Eventbrite.com.
Grace Kelly
Tower Theatre September 25th - 7pmAll Ages
Scoundrel
Resist LA, PURE, Cloud Construction https://www.eventbrite. com/e/1502096484019 September 25th 2025 - 7pm - All Ages Summer Fox Brewing Co 1426 N Van Ness Ave
Jake Shimabukuro
Tue Sep 30, 2025 7pm - All Ages jakeshimabukuro.com. Tower Theatre
Artur Zakiyan
Sun Oct 19, 2025 7pm Doors, 8pm Show - All Ages arturzakiyan.com Tower Theatre
21 and Over
Kyle Smith
Bad for Businees Tour at Fulton 55 Sunday, August 24 7:30 - 10:30pm PDT. Doors at 7pm
Trivia Night
Bring your brainiest buds and flex those random fact muscles—it’s Trivia Night at Summer Fox Fresno!From pop culture to history, weird science to sports stats, you never know what’s coming… but bragging rights (and beer) are on the line. Every Wednesday 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Summer Fox Brewing Co. 6585 N Santa Fe Ave. Free to play, Prizes for top teams, Ice cold beer and good vibes, Team size: 1–6 people. Free to enter.
Queen Tribute
King of Queen September 13 6-10pm TICKETS $10 MORE AT THE GATEBeer, Spirits, Food, Dancing and Cigars 21 yrs & older only, wit h photo ID Bring a Lawn Chair Gourmet Food Trucks onsite
Magic Men
Australia “Larger Than Life” World Tour Sat Oct 04, 2025 6:30pm Doors, 7:30pm Show - 18+ LADIES OF FRESNO, ARE YOU READY?! The Magic Men Australia “LARGER THAN LIFE” WORLD TOUR is hitting town, and this is your chance to witness the ultimate, high-energy, jaw-dropping, pulse-racing male revue show LIVE! Tower Theathre
R&B Night Out
Takes Over the Paul Paul Theater | October 11 Get ready for a night of timeless R&B as Mario, Lloyd and Nivea. www.fresnofair.com/events/2025/rnbnightout
Opens Second Fresno Location
Popular cannabis retailer expands its footprint in The Big Raisin
TheArtist Tree, the art gallery that just so happens to sell cannabis, announced today a new date regarding the opening of its second Fresno location, which is set to officially open to the public on Friday, July 18th, marking the 10th Artist Tree store in California. An official ribbon cutting will take place on Friday, July 25 at 10 am and a grand opening celebration will be hosted on site Saturday, July 26 from 12-6 pm. The expansive 3,000 square foot retail showroom will feature the same high end fixtures, top shelf products and museum-like atmosphere as The Artist Tree’s other locations. The store will be located at 3257 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 109.
The Artist Tree’s grand opening celebration on July 26th will include a DJ, photobooth, Big Pete’s Treats baking non-infused cookies on site, and notable brands like Sluggers, Wyld, Alien Labs, and WeedMaps. The first 100 people through the store on July 26th will be entered to win a $500 gift card.
During the week of July 26 to August 9, The Artist Tree will also be hosting a back to school drive at both of their Fresno locations. Customers are encouraged to bring in unused backpacks, pencils, and various supplies and in exchange, they will receive a pre-selected cannabis product for 1 penny.
The Artist Tree’s opening art exhibit will feature works by local Fresno artists Jamie Roberts, Jakob Jimenez and Amanda Gutierrez. The store is co-owned by The Artist Tree’s founding team and long-time Fresno locals, Lawrence Artenian and Daniel Kopfman.
“We’re so excited and grateful to have the opportunity to open a second lo-
cation in the city of Fresno,” said The Artist Tree founder Lauren Fontein. “Since opening our first Fresno store in 2022, the Fresno community has embraced our welcoming, creative and communal ethos. Our new location will help us better serve residents in central and southern Fresno while providing the same curated product selection and dedicated customer service as our current store.”
The opening of The Artist Tree’s new Fresno shop coincides with the unveiling of two large scale murals sponsored by The Artist Tree at the Farber Educational Campus in Downtown Fresno by local artist Omar Huerta. Since opening its first Fresno location in 2022 as the first licensed cannabis shop in the city, The Artist Tree has been an integral part of the Fresno community. The Artist Tree partners with numerous local nonprofits and provides funding for many community benefits programs, including the Fresno Arts Council’s Art Haven program for unhoused residents, the Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County, Camp Kesem at Fresno State, Valley Teen Ranch, Fresno Deaf & Hard of Hearing Service Center, Fresno Rainbow Pride and the Central California Food Bank.
“Working with the community to provide these two beautiful murals is aligned with our mission to support local artists and give back to our neighbors,” said Lauren Fontein. “The Artist Tree is happy to have made a $20,000 donation to cover the cost of the murals, which included paying the artist a fair wage for their work on the murals. We hope these beautiful murals bring joy to every person who walks or drives by them.”
Opinion: It’s So Over / We Are So back: Pride in the Shadow of Trump 2.0
By Sylvia Whelan
It is a Wednesday evening, and a friend texts me with some good news. She sends me a link to a news article: a federal district court judge has struck down Trump’s ban on trans people getting passports matching their gender. The next morning, the same friend texts me that the United States Supreme Court had issued its opinion in United States v. Skrmetti, ruling that Tennessee could ban trans minors from receiving gender-affirming care. After work that day, I attended a party hosted by the local trans support group. The next day, the LGBTQ lawyers group I am part of sent out an alert urging members to contact our senators about the Medicaid ban on trans healthcare in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” The day af ter that, I learned that Trump had illegally, unnecessarily, and (as it now turns out) in effectually bombed Iran. Such is trans life in 2025 in Trump’s America.
The past six months have not been an easy time to be queer in this nation. From the outset of his administration, Donald Trump has made it clear that the destruction of trans rights and the elimination of trans people from public life will be a priority. On day one of his administration, Trump signed an executive order declaring that there are only two sexes–male and female–and that sex is immutable, determined at concep tion, and based on whether one produces “the small reproductive cell” or “the large reproductive cell.” This order is a piece of absurd ideology, not a defense of biology or women. First, it is ridiculous to speak of a single-celled zygote as possessing a “sex,” as it lacks sex organs and hormones. While chromosomes are determined at conception, such information doesn’t tell you what it will develop into, as in the case of intersex peo ple, nor how a person will identify. Second, science does not believe that sex is as simple as Trump’s order exclaims. In humans, it is a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon, de fined not by one single trait but several, each of which falls along a spectrum. To deny this is to deny reality for the sake of ideology. Finally, it is insulting and demeaning to claim to defend women while in the same breath reducing their identity down to their reproductive capacity and stacking a court full
of justices who have overturned women’s basic rights to privacy and bodily autonomy.
Trump’s redefinition of gender has resulted in, among other things, trans people being denied passport renewals. Specifically, being issued passports and Social Security Cards with a legal sex incongruous with their name, presenta-
looming threat of worse to come, weighs heavily on me. It is depressing to live knowing that the people in charge of the federal government hate people like me, my partner, and my friends, or worse, do not care either way, but are happy to use us as a convenient scapegoat to roll back other rights. That is why this Pride has been so important to me.
and found it welcoming and supportive. There is something to be said for going from being the only queer person in your family, your neighborhood, your workplace, to suddenly being in a room with dozens of people just like you.
While the Supreme Court continues to side with Trump, district and appellate courts keep inflicting blows to his agenda, ruling against the trans passport ban, enjoining bans of trans healthcare for inmates, and ordering trans inmates returned to certain facilities. On the East Coast, the primary victory of Zohran Mamdami, who has promised to make New York a trans sanctuary city, and of Billie Butler, who has just become New Hampshire’s first trans representative, shows us that the transphobic MAGA agenda is not universally supported or invincible. The fight for queer liberation was far from won before last November. While we’ve faced setbacks, we have allies, we have support; we can and will win.
uments. Still, the back and forth between Social Security and the DMV was both inconvenient and insulting. When Beckham learned that the order had been overturned, he was elated, at least for now.
“That made my morning,” he said. All this discrimination, and the
dance and support for LGBTQIA+ rights.
The next weekend, at the No Kings protests, I again saw a vast gathering of people. While the main focus was opposition to Trump and his antidemocratic actions, many Pride flags were visible among the picket signs and posters. I’ve begun attending the local trans support group, after living here for years,
If you are struggling with despair and hopelessness, I encourage you to get involved, find community, and take action. We will, as Ben Franklin said, hang together or hang separately. Connecting with others in person, putting down your phone, and “touching grass,” as they say, is grounding, and taking action is empowering. Even something as simple as calling your representatives about, say, the removal of funding for the LGBTQIA+ suicide helpline in Trump’s “Big Beautiful” budget, and urging your friends to do the same, reduces the worry of being overwhelmed by information and turns it into action. If you’re part of the queer community, check out the LGBTQ Resource Center downtown. If you’re an ally, check out the Fresno PFLAG group. While progress may be set back, I believe that progress is inevitable, but only if we work towards it. We resist and we rejoice this Pride, even under the shadow of Trump. As my friend Beckham says, just as we look up to the founders of Pride, it is up to us to stand up for future generations, so that those kids “who know they’re different” can “have somebody to look up to.”
Sylvia Whelan is an attorney in Fresno, California.
Buy Sell Trade
Antiques
OLD GOODIE, opens and everything works $150 (559) 824-2638
2 ARROWHEAD blue embossed glass 5 gallon water bottles from 1970’s $70. each or $125. for 2 Please call 559 246 5914
OAK DESK Hutch 100% oak so it is heavy asking 100$ obo. (559) 931-3472
ORIGINAL RCA Victrola. Also I have for sale lots of the old records it plays. Call Dean at 559-681-0034 $400
RARE VINTAGE LEGO System By Samsonite Wood Box Case 1950s 33”x21.5” 559-9 70-3090 $195 appliances
GE ELECTRIC dryer works good can deliver Call or text 559-451-5730 $50
GOOD WORKING condition patton electric portable heater for only $25 more details text 559-400-2815
BLOW UP 4 people heated spa only used once good condition (559) 840-9156 $250
2 BRAND new element freezers. One has slight damage on the corner. But they’re both brand new. $200 for both. (559) 474-2144
Bikes
HAMPILTON BEACH
brew station $50 Sandra Dee 559 978 4767
DRAWERS & Cork Board sold together had for decade $300 (559) 747-659
Cars
2005 LEXUS GX470 off-road fun, upgrades V8 all records $10,399 CASH NO TRADES call or text (559)241-9826
FREE LISTING email it to info@fresnoflyer.com
2012 VW cc turbo Low mileage new Tires Super cleanSmoged Ready to Go. $4,000 MAKE OFFER (559) 3211415
2013 TOYOTA Prius C Clean title, Automatic, 235k miles! Nothing for a Toyota Prius! These go over 500,000 miles. Passed Smog Test. Certificate in hand! 4cyl hybrid engine Ac and heater Current tags Great on gas. Runs great. $5,500 Text or call me at 559.455.7052
2000 TOYOTA Camry Solara
Clean title, Automatic, 3.0 engine, 190k miles! Nothing for a Toyota. Passed smog check. Certificate in hand. Cold ac, Warm heater, Great on gas, Current tags, New tires, Runs Great. $3,250 Text or call me at 559.455.7052
2012 RANGE Rover HSE Sport 5.0L V8 - Lot’s of Power. Navigation Bluetooth Backup camera $9,800 (559) 977-3684
Electronics
NINTENDO SWITCH Console complete with 1 set of joy cons, original box and dock as seen in photos. Console has been factory reset. Works as intended no issues with functionality. This console is lightly used and ready to play. Score this great deal with us today at The Fresno Hock Shoppe Located at 3235 E Belmont Fresno
HP 14 Laptop Nice Hewlett Packard laptop ready for school or portability for travel. Compact, lightweight, 16 GB of RAM, Intel CPU and a 64 gb hard drive. This is an excellent laptop for all levels and jobs. No visible scratches overall in great shape. The Fresno Hock Shoppe Located at 3235 E Belmont Fresno
APPLE AIRPODS A2560 in original box. Works as intended no issues. Come save big with us today on your next pair of airpods. The Fresno Hock Shoppe Located at 3235 E Belmont Fresno
Furniture
SMALL DRESSER In Very
Good Condition All Drawers
Open Just Fine Dimensions
high 36 inches wide 38 inches deep 18 inches Text me or call at 559.234.5609 $95
TWO NIGHT Stand In Very Good Condition Dimensions height 24 inches wide 24 inches deep 24 inches Text me or call at 559.234.5609 $245
TALL DRESSER With Five Drawers In Good Condition All Drawers Open
Just Fine Dimensions tall 50 inches wide 30 inches deep 17 inches Text me or call at 559.234.5609 $145
SMALL DINING room table with 4 padded chairs. 4 person complete set. Good condition. Non-smoking home. Pick up only. Specs Length 47 3/4” Width 36” Height 30” (559) 313-3043 $250 Motorcycles
FREE LISTING email it to info@fresnoflyer.com
2006 BMW R1200Rt $2,800 Great running BMW, clean title, tags up to date, pink in hand, new tires, fresh oil change, heated grips, heated seats, cruise, power windshield, very reliable, 112k miles but runs excellent no issues, no low ballers, trade offers welcome, prefer cash. Text preferred 559-801-3563
CR125 2005 Excellent bike no issues/do not ride so it’s time to sell Pink in hand New tires $4500 obo (559)930-0274
RVS
1996 KOMFORT 26 foot fully Self contain A/C awing gas, electric refrigerator, gas, electric hot water heater for burner stove oven sleeps a total of six stand up shower tub, double door, refrigerator dinette, and Couch makes out to Bed‘s front queen bed nonPat non-smoker asking 5200 (209)961-5328
