Enthusiastic progressives in the Central Valley gathered on January 26 to form the local chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), which will be called the Central Valley–Sierra [...] Continue Reading
Local & State
From the Grassroots: Profiles of Local Activists
When Lance Canales walked in for our interview, I hardly recognized him. He had shed a bunch of pounds and his trademark long hair was shorn into a handsome short-and-wavy style. As we talked, though, [...] Continue Reading
Fresno Candlelight Vigil Responds to Tucson Tragedy
Dozens of individuals from communities throughout Fresno, Madera, Tulare and Kings counties joined together in a peaceful vigil on January 11. Individuals held candles and signs with the names of the [...] Continue Reading
New Strategy for Peace
The message of the local Peace Community remains the same, but our strategy is changing. In 2011, the focus of attention will be Congressional lobbying, letter writing and [...] Continue Reading
Martin Luther King Day in Fresno 2011
An Antiwar Speech, a Strange Pronouncement by the Police Chief, and more. . . [...] Continue Reading
Letters to the Editor
Help for the Community Alliance from Inside the Prison Industrial Complex I am writing in regard to your request for help, so that you can continue printing the Community Alliance. Enclosed you will [...] Continue Reading
Progressive News Briefs
Fresno Homeless Czar Harasses the Homeless Probably the cleanest homeless encampment in downtown Fresno is on F Street (between Ventura and Santa Clara). The people at that encampment were targeted [...] Continue Reading
Friant Ranch a Disaster in the Making for Lost Lake Park and Fresno County
Virtually unknown to the citizens of Fresno County is the impending decision facing the Fresno County Board of Supervisors on February 1. The Board is being asked to approve a zoning change that will [...] Continue Reading
Be the Media! Public Access TV Comes to Fresno
Jerry Lee, the new executive director of the Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC), says that we are in for some big changes in 2011. Lee is now working on a plan to build the public access [...] Continue Reading
The Out-of-State Transfer Scam
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is again making a mad dash over the borders with large numbers of prisoners in an expensive attempt to reduce overcrowding within its [...] Continue Reading
Fresno Food Not Bombs 2011 Celebration and Fund-Raiser
Historically, February 25 has seen many milestones. The Beatles first single, “Please, Please Me,” was released on this day in 1963. The Beatles also began recording Abbey Road on that date in 1969. [...] Continue Reading
Merced Homeless Couple Declared Heroes—Given $5 Reward
In the early morning hours of December 21, a homeless couple huddled together for warmth beneath an overpass at Bear Creek Drive and G Street in Merced. The couple, Joseph Edwards and Bernice [...] Continue Reading