\\\"\\\"

FresYes!

5 questions

Nature Events for Kids and Bald Eagle Hike Happening Saturday at River Parkway

by Leave a Comment

Saturday is an exciting day for the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. The organization is hosting several events, two of which are geared towards teaching children about nature.

The River Parkway Trust was established to protect the San Joaquin River and surrounding lands. They offer educational and recreational activities for families throughout the year.

Saturday children ages 3 ½ to 6-year-old can take part in the River Buddies Weekend Explore Program happening at the River Center, located at 11605 Old Friant Road in Fresno. There’s a fee of $10 per child and online registration and payment is required in advance. You have until Thursday at Noon to sign-up. 

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. During the two-hour session the kids will go on a nature walk, complete a craft, sing fun songs, listen to a story and do a hands-on activity. 

The theme for Saturday’s River Buddies Weekend Explore Program is “Nature Neighbors”. The children will learn about the plants and animals they come across on their walk. They’ll use life-sized animals track stamps to create tracks in the dirt and make their own snakeskin bandana. 

For children ages 6 to 9-year-old, there is an adventure program taking place on Saturday as well. It’s called the Weekend Youth Naturalist Program and it is aimed to equip the next generation with skills to be natural explorers and stewards of the Earth. 

Saturday’s program runs from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and also takes place at the River Center. It’s $15 per child and sign-ups also end Thursday at Noon. 

The theme is “Animal Evidence.” The children will go on a nature walk and dissect owl pellets, among other activities.

“We believe that children should have the opportunity to spend time outdoors, getting dirty, playing games, and learning with their peers,” said Molly Schnur-Salimbene, the Community Programs Director for the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. “Many children in the Fresno/Madera area are unaware that there is a river nearby, and even fewer have visited it or the natural areas that surround it.”

Parents are required to stay on-site for the duration of the children’s programs and are encouraged to participate in the activities as well. 

The San Joaquin Parkway and Conversation Trust believes that everyone will leave the River Center more curious and more informed about our local environment and its native species.

“Parents who attend the programs with their children often comment on how much they learned, or how surprised they were by how well their young children were able to understand the scientific concepts,”Schnur-Salimbene said. “Many parents become excited by what they’ve learned and continue to explore the topics covered on weekend trips with their children through research at home, looking for signs of wildlife in their neighborhoods, and revisiting the sites where the programs took place.”

If you can’t make it to Saturday’s children’s events, mark your calendar for February 15th and March 14th.  The River Parkway will be hosting additional River Buddies Weekend Explore Program and Weekend Youth Naturalist Program events those days.

In addition to the children’s events, the Parkway invites you to take part in a Bald Eagle Hike also on Saturday. It’s free and the 2-to-3 mile hike is low intensity. 

Eagles enjoy spending winter along the shores of Millerton Reservoir. A guide will help you spot our National Bird.

“Guides provide background information on the migratory patterns and characteristics of Bald Eagles using enlarged photos and maps, and then give participants hints on where along the shoreline to look,” Schnur-Salimbene said. “Hikes move slowly, stopping often when something of interest is spotted and using a portable spotting scope to give each person the chance to take a look as the guide provides information on natural history and the local ecosystem.”

To join the Bald Eagle Hike, register online and then meet at the River Center at 8:30 a.m. Dress for the outdoors and bring binoculars, water and sunscreen. The hike will take place rain or shine. Children 12 and over are welcome, but dogs are not invited.

The Bald Eagle Hike is also happening on January 25th. 

For more on all things San Joaquin River Parkway and Conversation Trust, visit their website.

Fresno High Neighborhood Association to Host Home Tour This Saturday

by Leave a Comment

This Saturday you have the chance to tour the inside of three historic homes in one of Fresno’s oldest neighborhoods.

The Fresno High Neighborhood Association is hosting a Home Tour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The homes featured are part of Wilson Island, which is a six-block neighborhood located south of Fresno High. The homes date back to 1910 and feature Period Revival and Prairie architecture. 

In the early 20th Century, Fresno residents in high social standing lived in Wilson Island. Bankers, attorneys, produce brokers and business owners built homes in what was one of the first affluent suburbs in the region.

Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased online at FresnoHighHomeTour.com or in person at Gazebo Gardens and Quality Carpets Design Center in Clovis.

“Proceeds from the tour allow us to provide and hang the holiday decorations on the street lamps in the neighborhood, among other local beautification projects,” said Ashley Parker, chairperson for the Fresno High Home Tour.

The mission of the Fresno High Neighborhood Association is to preserve and promote the historical, architectural and cultural resources of the neighborhood that surrounds Fresno High, which is located on Echo between McKinley and Weldon.

In addition to touring the Knapp, Levy, and Dermer homes, tourgoers will be able to see the newly remodeled interior of Royce Hall on the campus of Fresno High. The tour guide for that will be Fresno Unified School Board Representative Carol Mills. 

In an effort to make the event family-friendly, children are invited to take part in an Architectural Detail Scavenger Hunt. There’s also a Walking Tour of the exteriors of 16 additional Wilson Island homes.

“Come on down and see what we’ve got going,” Parker said. “Roundup with a trip to our sponsor, Gazebo Gardens. The beer garden will be open, and the gift shop.”

The Fresno High Home Tour started 24 years ago. It typically takes place on a Monday evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year organizers decided to change it up a bit and host the event during the day in January.

Members of the Fresno High School Senate, which is a campus club, will also be taking part.

“The tour utilizes student senators and community volunteers to staff a tour of Historic Homes, with an emphasis on the architectural detailing that is prevalent in the area,” Parker said. Some of the funds raised go towards student scholarships and the Fresno High School Band and Choral programs.
To learn more, visit FresnoHighHomeTour.com

A Holiday Tradition, The Nutcracker, Returns with Local Dancers

by Leave a Comment

A holiday classic, Central California Ballet’s The Nutcracker, returns to Fresno’s Saroyan Theatre this weekend. The performances feature dancers from the Central Valley.

“All of the roles are performed by local dancers, from the smallest Bon-Bon to the most mature, Snow Queen,” said Sandra Gostanian, with the Lively Arts Foundation. “I have been performing in The Nutcracker since 1995 as a Party Parent, most years as Mrs. Stahlbaum.”

 In 1989, Frank and Diane Mosier founded the Lively Arts Foundation, a non-profit, designed to bring world-class dance, music and dramatic entertainment to the residents of the San Joaquin Valley. The show the organization is most known for is the yearly performance of The Nutcracker.

“The story of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition around the world,” Gostanian said. “It is a warm story of love with bits of whimsical humor laced in.  The Nutcracker Ballet is often the first ballet children experience.” 

Diane Mosier is the owner of Northwest Studio for Ballet at Bullard and West in Fresno. Many of the dancers who perform in The Nutcracker train at her studio. A handful of professional dancers are also hired to perform the lead roles of Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy.

Auditions take place in August and rehearsals began soon after.  

“The Bon-Bons are the youngest members of the cast and are usually budding gymnasts,” Gostanian said. “Children in the Party Scene have taken ballet classes for a few years, as have some of the adults in the Party Scene. The mature teens and young adult dancers have been taking a ballet class several times each week for years and are quite accomplished. Everyone enjoys having the professionals dance with us. They are always very inspirational to watch as they warm-up, focus on the performance, and enjoy the festivities of the Nutcracker season.”

Tickets are available at the Saroyan Theatre Box Office for Saturday’s 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances, as well as Sunday’s 2 p.m. show. They range from $35 to $68 and can also be purchased through Ticketmaster.

“People of all ages enjoy the quality of dancing and acting from cast members of all ages,” Gostanian said. “Children, especially, are caught up with the beauty and artistic talents of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.”

In addition to the weekend performances, there is a special performance for students from local schools that takes place on Friday. 

“The favorite show for the entire cast is the Friday school show performance,” Gostanian said.“Children from throughout the Central Valley come to see the ballet at a very reduced price. For most of the children and for many of their teachers, this will be their introduction to a ballet performance.”

The Lively Arts Foundation begins planning next year’s Nutcracker as soon as this year’s finishes. They have to seek out financial grants and new donors to keep this Valley tradition alive.

“While Fresno is located in close proximity to cultural hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles, many people are not able to travel to see professional performances,” Gostanian said. “Performing arts allow people opportunities to develop creativity and communication skills. The Nutcracker is a fun and entertaining way to experience the “stage of life”. Quite simply, we all have a great time and have made lifetime memories and friends.” 

To learn more about The Nutcracker visit LivelyArts.org

Clovis Botanical Garden to Host Children’s Christmas Event

by Leave a Comment

The Clovis Botanical Garden is hosting a holiday event for children this Saturday. “Christmas Fun in the Garden” runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s the third year for this event.

“There will be four craft stations at which the kids can make their own Christmas ornaments or decorate a pinecone Christmas Tree,” said Pat Wynne, a board member with the Clovis Botanical Garden.  “Each child can choose two of the craft stations and there will be cookies and hot chocolate available.”

There is a fee of $5 per child, which goes towards the cost of craft materials.

The garden is located on the northwest corner of Alluvial and Clovis Avenues in Clovis. 

“It is the mission of the garden to demonstrate what we call San Joaquin Valley friendly plants,” Wynne said. “That is plants that do well in the temperate zone which is the central San Joaquin Valley.”

The Clovis Botanical Garden was the vision of the late Gorden Russell. In the 1990s he approached Wynne, who was the Mayor of Clovis at the time, about turning what was a city-owned lot into a garden.

“After four years of planning the first tree was planted in the Garden in 2002,” Wynne said. “It was a Valley Oak and was named the Freedom Tree in honor of the people who died on 9/11.”

The Clovis Botanical Garden is now developed into three acres with a Mediterranean  Garden, a Chilean/South African Garden, a South Western Garden, A Native Plant Garden, and four Home Demonstration Gardens.

“We also promote water conservation through low water landscaping,” Wynne said. “Every plant in the Garden is drought tolerant and has some resistance to drought. Landscaping is the number one use of water, and if you can get people to use mostly low water plants it will go a long way to save water in
this area.”The Clovis Botanical Garden is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more visit their website at ClovisBotanicalGarden.org

FresYes Guide to Christmas Celebrations in Fresno County

by Leave a Comment

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Fresno County. There are plenty of family-friendly celebrations taking place to mark the season. A lot of the towns within Fresno County are hosting tree lightings and parades. We’ve put together a list to help you plan your holiday fun!

Thursday, December 5th

Reedley Electrical Farm Equipment Parade

7 p.m. in downtown Reedley

Reedley is called the “Fruit Basket of the World” and to celebrate the town’s unique culture and heritage they host an agriculture themed Christmas Parade. Tractors and antique vehicles will be lit up in their holiday best. The theme of this year’s parade is “Holiday Movies.” 

Friday, December 6th

Caruthers Chamber Winterfest and Christmas Parade

Winterfest: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Caruthers Fairgrounds

Parade:  6:30 p.m.

The Caruthers Chamber of Commerce is hosting a big Christmas event at the Caruthers Fairgrounds. In addition to the 20th annual Christmas Parade, there will be a winter celebration featuring food, crafts, and a Miss Snowflake Princess Pageant. 

“This event like many others in Caruthers is unique because it is a grassroots event,” said Eric Hamlin the Winterfest Coordinator. “It’s all about the local community. Caruthers is a community of townspeople who genuinely like each other and enjoy a chance to celebrate our town.”

Saturday, December 7th

Fresno Christmas Parade

1 p.m. on Fulton Street in downtown Fresno

It’s a milestone year for the Fresno Christmas Parade. In honor of its 90th year, the parade’s theme is “9 Decades.” 

Floats will be decked out in retro gear celebrating the decades from the 1920s to the 2000s. 

Clovis Children’s Electric Christmas Parade

6:30 p.m. in Old Town Clovis

The Old Town Clovis Kiwanis puts on a big show every year. Thousands are expected to attend the parade which has become a holiday tradition for many families.

“It’s a free event that we put on for our community to give back to all those organizations and people who have helped us with our service projects,” said Rochelle Latona, parade coordinator with the Old Town Clovis Kiwanis. “The parade will have school bands, horses, lots of different cars and float, all decorated with lots and lots of lights.”

Fowler’s Christmas Tree Lighting

Festival: 2 p.m. in downtown Fowler

Tree Lighting: Dusk

The city of Fowler hosts an annual street festival and tree lighting ceremony in the center of downtown. 

“It’s a great annual tradition here in the city of Fowler, that families look forward to,” said Yvonne Hernandez, event organizer. “It’s like a great homecoming. People can come and shop, eat great food, listen to live music and get pictures with Santa and the grand finale is lighting the tree at dusk.”

Sanger’s Toyland Parade

11 a.m. on Academy in downtown Sanger

For the 72nd year, a huge Christmas event is taking place in downtown Sanger. The annual Toyland Parade celebrates all things holiday. There will also be vendors, arts, crafts, and kid activities to take part in as well.

Sunday, December 8th 

Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree

2:30 p.m. at Kings Canyon National Park

With fresh snow, it will be a winter wonderland at the General Grant Tree for the 93rd annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree. 

Entrance fees to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will be free on Sunday to allow people to experience the celebration of the Nation’s Christmas Tree. 

The Sanger Chamber of Commerce offers chartered bus trips to the event, some include lunch and dinner. To learn more call the Sanger Chamber at 559-875-4575.

Saturday, December 14th

Kerman Night Christmas Parade

Holiday Gift Fair: 4 p.m. 

Parade: 6 p.m. in downtown Kerman

The 23rd annual Pageantry of Light Christmas Parade takes place on Madera Avenue from C to G Street. This year’s theme is “Country Christmas.” In addition to the parade, there will also be a craft and gift fair. 

Clovis Neighborhood’s Synchronized Holiday Lights Display Grows to 39 Homes

by Leave a Comment

What started as an ordinary holiday lights display in a Clovis neighborhood has turned into what is believed to be the largest synchronized neighborhood light show in the World.

Santa Claus Lane is located on Norwich, Maine and Indianapolis Streets in the subdivision located on the southeast corner of Gettysburg and Locan. This year the light show has expanded to feature 39 homes. 

“Santa Claus Lane is a high-tech, synchronized light show,” said Deb Toews, founder of Santa Claus Lane. “The Christmas lights on all the participating homes dance in beat with music.  Approximately 500,000 LED lights provide a spectacular show for people of all ages. We offer music for all ages and tastes.”

Santa Claus Lane opens Friday and runs nightly from 6 p.m-10 p.m. through December 27th, rain or shine.

“You can walk or drive Santa Claus Lane,” Toews said. “ Most people say the event is best when walking down the sidewalks of the neighborhood.”

Santa Claus Lane is pet-friendly and on Friday and Saturday nights food trucks will be on site selling a variety of treats.

If you are driving, visitors can tune their car radio to 98.5 FM and hear the music inside their cars.

“Santa Claus Lane is the only large Christmas light display that is high tech and uses a single computer to make all the lights dance to the music,” Toews said.  “As far as we are aware of, Santa Claus Lane is the largest synchronized residential light show in the world!”

In 2008 Deb and her husband Terry started decorating the outside of their home for Christmas. After seeing a synchronized light display online, they put in the time to create their own. In 2012, their next-door neighbors joined in on the fun. In 2015, the whole block joined in and it has grown from there.

A small group of neighbors formed the non-profit, Clovis Festival of Lights at Ladera Ranch, INC. The group is responsible for organizing Santa Claus Lane and helps support a local food pantry, as well as other non-profits in the area.

On Saturday, December 14th Santa Claus Lane will feature Red, White and Blue Christmas. The event honors law enforcement, firefighters and members of the military. Donations from that evening will benefit the Leon S. Peters Burn Center, San Joaquin Valley Veterans Organization and the Fresno Police Chaplaincy. 

“We feel that not only do we bless our community with this event, but in turn receives blessings from them,” Toews said. “Hearing all the praises coming from our visitors and how this is their new family tradition warms our hearts and keeps us wanting to continue.”

To learn more about Santa Claus Lane visit SantaClausLaneClovis.com

Free Auto Show Featuring New Cars Runs Through Sunday

by Leave a Comment

The Fresno Convention Center is jam-packed with the latest and greatest in cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers this weekend. 

The Central California Auto Show is a free event, where you can see over 50 different models from 13 brands including Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, GMC, Jeep, Nissan, RAM, and Toyota.

“This show is great because there are brand specialists on-site that can answer any questions on the vehicles they represent,” said Victoria Blackwell, with The Central California Auto Show. “ No salespeople, just specialists to help guests get a better understanding of what they like and that makes it easier to compare vehicles without driving all over town.  It’s a no-pressure, no-hassle, no-sales event.  If someone finds something that they want to purchase or get financing information they will be directed to local dealerships.”

The automobiles will be on display throughout the New Exhibit Hall and Valdez Hall. You can look under the hood and sit in the vehicles. This event is designed for both car shoppers and car lovers.

“There really is something for everyone,” Blackwell said.  “And it’s a family-friendly event, so everyone is welcome.”

Toyota will be offering test drives of vehicles at the Toyota Drive Center. Some of the vehicles that are expected to be available for a test drive are the Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and Tundra.

“Every year there is always a huge turnout and it’s fun to see how surprised everyone is by all the new vehicles,” Blackwell says. “Whether it’s the technology or all the new styles of vehicles, guests always seem to be enjoying themselves.”

Something new at this year’s car show is that there will also be some Certified Pre-Owned vehicles on display. 

This event is put on by the Fresno-Clovis New Dealers Association and Motor Trend.

It runs Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Fresno Convention Center is located at 848 M Street in downtown Fresno. To learn more visit FresnoClovisAutoShow.com

NBA Star Paul George Will Attend Fresno State’s Basketball Game Sunday

by Leave a Comment

One of Fresno State’s most famous alumni will return to the Save Mart Center Sunday for his jersey retirement. Six-time NBA All-Star Paul George will have his Number 24 jersey retired during the men’s basketball team’s home opener.

The Los Angeles Clipper is a native of Palmdale and played for the Bulldogs from 2008-2010. He was the 10th player drafted in the 2010 NBA Draft.  He’s played for the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder before returning to California this season.

“We are proud to honor Paul George for his exemplary contributions to the game of basketball, both while competing as a student-athlete at Fresno State and during his illustrious ongoing career in the NBA,” Fresno State Athletic Director Terry Tumey said. “One of our goals as a Department is to connect our rich tradition with our promising future by honoring the legends of our past appropriately. There will be more recognition to come, as we have so many great former Bulldogs out there, but this particular opportunity is all about celebrating Paul George and his wonderful achievements.”

Paul George

The jersey retirement ceremony will take place during halftime. The 2016 Olympic gold medalist says he is excited to return to Fresno and this old home court.

“I am humbled by the honor of having my jersey retired by Fresno State,” George said.  “I loved my time there and am so appreciative of the staff and the fans and everyone in the Bulldog family that has been part of my basketball journey.”  

George is the second former Fresno State men’s basketball student-athlete to be honored with a jersey retirement, joining former Bulldog coach and player Jerry Tarkanian. Tark’s Number 2 jersey was retired in 2014. 

Fresno State is hoping a big crowd turns out to honor George. There’s an online ticket special. You can purchase four tickets for $24. For more ticket information visit the Bulldog Ticket Office or call 559-278-DOGS.

“Our guys are working hard,” Hutson said. “I couldn’t be more proud of how hard our team is working.  We do have some talent.

The Dogs will play 15 games at home this season. They are coming off of a 23-9 season. It’s the second year for coach Justin Hutson who is a Bakersfield native. He says he’s proud of how his team has been preparing.

“The Bulldogs are lead by two fifth-year seniors. Nate Grimes plays forward and center. Last year he was one of two Mountain West players to average a double-double. Meaning he scored more than ten points per game and had at least ten rebounds.

New Williams is also a fifth-year senior. The guard was a McDonald’s All-American nominee from Santa Monica High School. He played in all 32 games last season.

Tip-off for Sunday’s game against Winthrop is 2 p.m.