Pam Whalen, of all the people I’ve interviewed, has perhaps the clearest vision of what her work as an activist is directed toward: “A workers’ paradise.” For her entire life, she has been propelled [...] Continue Reading
Activism
Academy in West Fresno Teaches Leadership and Comradeship
This spring, the Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development (FWCED) has sponsored the Black Men and Boys Leadership Academy (BMB). Keith Kelley, CEO/president of the FWCED says, “We are very [...] Continue Reading
California Seniors Group Fighting to Save Retirement
The future of retirement is on the line, according to the California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA), a progressive grassroots advocacy organization. Nan Brasmer, president of the California [...] Continue Reading
Movement for Immigration Reform Struggles On
The May Day Committee as part of the movement for immigrants’ rights is conscious that comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level eludes us at this time. However, there are several bills at [...] Continue Reading
Abolishing Homelessness in Merced: Lessons from 10-Year Plans in Other Cities
On April 9, more than 110 people attended a forum titled “Abolishing Homelessness” at the UC Merced campus. In attendance were homeless persons from Merced; veterans of homeless struggles in [...] Continue Reading
Secure Communities Program Makes Our Communities Insecure
There are many tools that the government is using to remove undocumented people from the United States. The Secure Communities (S-Comm) program is one of these programs, which is being implemented by [...] Continue Reading
International Year of Chemistry 2011: Marie Curie’s Struggle against Sexism and Xenophobia
By George B. Kauffman The 63rd General Assembly of the United Nations has proclaimed 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry (IYC 2011) under the leadership of the UN Educational, Scientific and [...] Continue Reading
The Interfaith Social Justice Collaborative Faith Calendar
ISJC Mission Statement: To network and collaborate as we work to serve and promote systemic change for the common good; to educate and inspire one another to positive actions; to model interfaith [...] Continue Reading
Opinion and Analysis from the Grassroots
Full Scale Assault on the Environment By Connie Peterson Imagine my sense of irony and outrage when, on the same day the front page of the Fresno Bee decried the toxicity of our Valley, the [...] Continue Reading
Environmental Racism in West Fresno
For decades, West Fresno residents have endured health and safety hazards created by corporate giant Darling International Inc.’s meat rendering plant. Though sited within yards of West Fresno [...] Continue Reading
National Day of Action “We Are One” March
On April 4, more than 350 Fresno residents, union members and supporters marched to express their opposition to attacks on basic rights such as those occurring in Wisconsin and several other states. [...] Continue Reading
Bank of America: Your Taxes Are Due!
About 100 protestors on Shaw Avenue (across from Fashion Fair) held signs, sang and demanded that Bank of America pay its taxes. Protesters said Bank of America is the largest bank and the fifth [...] Continue Reading