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Where To Give Back This Holiday Season

December 10, 2021 by Jason Farris Leave a Comment

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I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

A short list of places here in Fresno that are ready to accept your generosity

Another Holiday season is approaching and we’re preparing for candy canes, hot chocolate, and spending time with loved ones. The season is a great time to reflect on a year that’s passed, and many of us have fond memories of family traditions and years past that we’re eager to recreate once again, but it can also be a time of giving.

It’s no surprise in a community like Fresno that there is no shortage of organizations working to give back this holiday season, and we’ve put together a list of some great places to give back this year, whether you’re donating toys, coats, your time, or nonperishables.

Fresno/Madera Toys For Tots

Toys For Tots is running their toy drive this year, assisted by several local businesses who’re working to give presents to children in need. The campaign is in full swing, and if you wish to donate a toy, be sure to bring one that is new and not wrapped.

Toys can be brought to Hendrick’s Chevrolet located at 961 W Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA 93612 any time from November 1st to December 15th during their normal business hours from 8 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, 10 AM to 6 PM Saturdays, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sundays. While Hendrick’s Chevrolet is acting as the Fresno/Madera Toys For Tots drop-off and distribution center this year, there will also be some marathons and other drop-off locations, supported by some local businesses.

Other official toy drop-off locations include:

Goldstein’s Mortuary And Delicatessen, located 1279 N Wishon Ave, Fresno, CA 93728

The Range Pistol Club, located 5151 N Gates Ave, Fresno, CA 93722

This year there will also be some donation events and marathons for the toy drive, including the Toys For Tots Marathon Weekend, kicking off Friday, December 3rd, and running all day every day until Sunday, December 5th, at the Riverpark Shopping Center, located 71 E Via la Plata, Fresno, 93720, near the roundabout.

Fulton 55, located at 875 Divisadero St, Fresno, 93721 will also be running an event for donations, featuring several local bands, starting at 3 PM on Sunday, December 5th.

Coats For Kids

Coats For Kids aims to keep children in need warm during the holiday season, and they’ve teamed up with some local businesses to make that vision a reality once again this year. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Foundation For Public Safety and Kiss Country will be working together with Coats For Kids this year, hosting a Coat-a-thon, which will be held alongside the Toys For Tots Donation Marathon Weekend this year, at the Riverpark Shopping Center, located at 71 E Via la Plata, Fresno, 93720, also near the roundabout.

The Coat-a-thon will run from Friday, December 3rd, to Sunday, December 5th, but unlike the Toys For Tots Marathon will only be from 10 AM to 6 PM Friday and Saturday, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.

KYJO Angel Trees

KYJO (Keeping Youth Journeying Onward) is a foster family agency in Fresno and this year, they’re once again running a gift drive, from November 17 through December 17th, benefitting children in foster care.

Trees, called Angel Trees, will be hosted at local businesses, adorned with ornaments with wishes on them. Those wishing to donate can either visit a physical tree, and purchase a wish, and donate it at the same tree, or they can view wishlists online here, and order online, having it delivered directly to KYJO.

Be A Santa To A Senior

Be A Santa To A Senior aims to deliver Christmas gifts to seniors each year, and this year is no different. Working similarly to KYJO’s Angel Trees, Be A Santa To A Senior trees will be adorned with ornaments with wishes on them that those wishing to donate can choose to fulfill.

There is one tree in Fresno, located at Home Instead, located at 745 E Locust Ave Suite 105

Fresno, 93720. Donation hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. You can also elect to donate online, where wish lists can be found here.

Conclusion

The holidays are a time for not only spending time with loved ones, eating good food, counting our blessings, and reflecting on our faiths but also a time of love and giving in our community.

Fortunately, Fresno is a rich community, and there is always someone willing to help. No matter how you plan to give back this year, there are plenty of organizations and events ready to help you help others. Whether you’re volunteering time, spreading the word, or donating goods, giving back to the community makes an already magical time of year even more magical.

Things You Need to Know About Fresno

November 26, 2021 by Jason Farris Leave a Comment

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com

Before You Move Here

If you’re looking to move to Fresno, you should take a few things into account before taking the plunge and buying a home.

The Cost of Living is Affordable

Though Fresno’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, it’s far cheaper than other metropolitan areas in California. With everything the city has to offer, it’s surprising to see it’s still one of the cheaper cities in the state.

The average salary in Fresno is around $70,000 a year, while the average rent is around $1,400 a month. This—paired with Fresno’s booming economy—means the average Fresnan is easily able to make their rent. With a median monthly mortgage payment of $2,282, you’re also more likely to afford your dream home than you think! Curious what’s out there? Follow this link to see what homes are for sale in Fresno with pools.

Agriculture is Huge

Over and over again, Fresno’s been called the agricultural capital of the United States. Farmland covers over half the city, and you can find everything from almonds and pistachios to grapes and dairy fresh from the farm.

You’ll find no shortage of farmer’s markets and farm-to-table dining in Fresno county, and you’ll be able to treat yourself to all sorts of local produce. In fact, this booming agricultural scene is part of what makes Fresno a foodie’s paradise. Part of Fresno’s success as an agricultural center stems from its diverse selection of crops, so—no matter the growing season—you’ll have no shortage of options!

The Natural Beauty is Everywhere

Not only is Fresno full of farms, but it also boasts no shortage of natural beauty. With the ocean a short drive to the west, the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the east, and the San Joaquin River flowing through, you’ll never be far from a natural wonder.

If you want to take in beautiful flora and fauna, but would rather do so in a more controlled environment, you can always head to one of Fresno’s numerous parks. You can also explore the Forestiere Underground Gardens or Fresno’s Blossom Trail at Simonian Farms. If you’re looking for something to do with the family or want something more exotic, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is open seven days a week.

Whether you prefer hiking, building sandcastles, or just enjoying beautiful weather, there’s something for every nature enthusiast in Fresno!

There’s Culture Everywhere

Whether you want to catch a play, discover a new indie artist, or learn something new, you can find it all in Fresno. Fresno’s bustling arts scene boasts regular art galleries, multiple film festivals, and regular musical and theatrical performances.

You can also learn about other cultures through Fresno’s numerous multicultural events. From traditional ceremonies at the Shin Zen Japanese Gardens to Grape Blessings with the Armenian community, there’s more than enough to learn about all the cultures that call Fresno home.

All this cultural diversity lends itself to a city of open and accepting people, and so Fresno has garnered a reputation for friendliness. If you’re looking for a community or a tight-knit neighborhood, Fresno is the place to be!

The City is for Everyone

Whether you’re trying to start a family, enjoying the single life, or getting ready for retirement, Fresno is a city for everyone. Not only does the city boast cultural diversity, but it also offers something for every walk of life.

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly neighborhood or urban nightlife, Fresno’s got you covered. The city also boasts everything from a bustling foodie culture to a nice selection of golf courses. Fresno’s got convenient downtown apartments and houses on multiple acres. Fresno’s got top-rated schools and a bustling urban center.

Whatever you need, you can find it in Fresno!

Two Cities Café and Creamery Coming Soon to Clovis

June 23, 2017 by Valerie Shelton Leave a Comment

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Valerie Shelton

Caffeine addict - karaoke queen - dachshund mommy - writing machine

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When Fresno temperatures climb upwards of 100 degrees, I crave two things to cool me down—a refreshing glass of iced coffee in the a.m. and a generous helping of ice cream for dessert during the steamy summer nights.

Soon I’ll be able to satisfy both my cravings in one place when Two Cities, a family-owned and -operated coffee roaster based in Clovis, opens its first full service café and creamery on 4th Street in Old Town Clovis.

Since 2013, Two Cities—formerly known as Amber Avenue—has been roasting up delicious coffee beans from throughout the world and creating delightful blends like Mountain Mover, Pismo Blend—my personal favorite—and the Frappe House Blend, specially made for CrossCity Church in north Fresno.

From humble beginnings simply selling beans and iced lattes at local farmers markets and events like ClovisFest and Big Hat Days, the popularity of Two Cities brews grew and now you can order a cup of their joe not only at CrossCity’s café, but at Maya Cinemas, The Old Hotel Bistro, and a handful of other locations in Clovis and Fresno.

Increase in Beans Shipped Across the Country

As their retail market blossoms, so does Two Cities’ wholesale demand.

Owners Rick and Yoli Reeves, and their daughter, Chelsea—the creative barista behind the roaster’s popular specialty drinks—say they can’t even calculate how many batches of beans are roasted and shipped. Individuals across the country subscribe to receive one or more 12-ounce bags of whole beans or ground coffee a month, plus a hefty amount is roasted for delivery to local retailers and churches. The Reeves estimate they roast well into the thousands of pounds of beans annually, with the amount growing substantially each year.

To keep up with the ever-increasing number of orders, last year the Reeves moved their home-based operation into a 2,000 square-foot warehouse located along Pontiac Way in Clovis. There, Rick spends many long nights roasting beans on his trusty homemade roaster and a new machine recently purchased to increase production. In another room, Chelsea and Yoli work tirelessly packaging items for delivery and experimenting with new beverages to add to the menu. In the front of the shop, a small café and retail area is set up—the perfect place for local customers who don’t want to pay shipping and can’t wait for the Clovis or River Park farmers markets to get their Two Cities fix.

Adding Rolled Ice Cream Into the Mix

It’s also the perfect place for Two Cities to hold special events, like when they recently unveiled their rolled ice cream—a treat that will become a permanent offering at the 4th Street location set to open at the end of June or early July.

Though the three-person team seemingly already has their hands full of coffee beans (and teas for non-coffee drinking customers), Yoli says they wanted to offer something extra special when they finally opened their full-service café, and rolled ice cream fit the bill.

Self-proclaimed mega fans of the Food Network, Yoli says the family was first intrigued by the idea of rolled ice cream when they watched a show featuring the Thai take on the dairy dessert.

Unlike traditional ice cream, the rolled variety is made just as it sounds—the ingredients are rolled like dough into a thin layer on a frozen metal disc and then scrapped off.

“We wondered how we could incorporate this style of ice cream into our coffee roasting business, and we just sat on the idea for a while,” Yoli said. “Then toward the end of last year, we started experimenting with rolled ice cream and creating some flavors inspired by our popular coffee drinks. We contacted the health department and went through that whole process, and visited rolled ice creameries in Los Angeles to see how they were doing it, and we finally made the announcement a couple months ago.”

The menu for the creamery isn’t set in stone yet, but many flavors, including a berry ice cream topped with fresh local berries and an espresso made using Two Cities coffee, are in the works, with new flavors created each day leading up to the grand opening.

While the coffee, tea, and ice cream delights are sure to be refreshing, Yoli says the little shop on 4th Street will also be a place of relaxation. Though only a small footprint of 750 square feet, Yoli says she hopes customers will take the time to enjoy their treats out on the outdoor patio in the cool mornings and balmy evenings. “It’s beautiful,” she says of the additional patio space out back.

If the creamery is as successful as Two Cities’ other endeavors, Yoli says the trio will most likely search for another café/creamery spot in the Fresno area. One day they hope to expand throughout the Central Valley.

[Photos used with permission from Two Cities Coffee Roasters]

Dye Another Day: Anzula Luxury Yarns Makes Big Moves in 2017

January 10, 2017 by Jenna Ardaiz-Brown Leave a Comment

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Jenna Ardaiz-Brown

I'm a seasoned traveler, am intrigued by just about anything creative, and enjoy activities that run the gamut- knitting, downhill skiing, reading, and swing dancing, just to name a few. And of course, I write.

I was born in Fresno and grew up here, as did my husband and my parents. I'm thrilled to be raising my young son here too! I've gone away for school and spent brief periods in other parts of California, but have always ended up homesick for my hometown.

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Anzula “Nebula” in assorted colors, waiting patiently for labels.

I love to knit.

There, I said it. It’s not like it’s a deep dark secret! I belong to a knitting group that meets at Starbucks, and I have a stash of yarn that ranges all over the color and texture spectrum, encompassing materials like silk, wool, a healthy amount of acrylic, mohair, alpaca, and believe it or not, banana fiber.

Is it an addiction? Hard to say. But my response to the question of whether I could quit anytime I wanted might involve me pleading the fifth.

Sparkly? Plain? Variegated? Bulky? Fine? Yes, I have it all. Although, as any knitter or crocheter will tell you, “all” is never enough. (The one who dies with the most yarn wins!)

Sabrina Famellos at one of her many homes away from home (a yarn shop, of course).

Having said that, all yarn is not created equal. Just ask Sabrina Famellos, who has built her luxury yarn and fiber dyeing business, Anzula, from the ground up.

The company started “organically, by accident!” to hear Famellos tell it. “I was 19-years-old. People would approach me and buy crocheted items right off my needles or hooks. It grew and blossomed into a business from there.” I ask her about the unique name, and she laughs.

“It’s complicated. I started out as “Creations by Sabrina,” but eventually decided I wanted a unique name. I’ve always loved languages, so I pulled out a few language dictionaries and started experimenting.”

After getting attached to the word azul (“blue” in Spanish), but deciding that just one color might be confusing and limiting when applied to her many-hued wares, Sabrina played around with syllables a bit and the company name was born.

“I Googled it, and found that Anzula was a feminine Slavic name, but with no definition listed. It was also the name of a foreign bank. But when I checked, the domain was free.”

“So you nabbed it!”

“Yes, exactly! I knew that was it.”

Hanks of yarn drip-drying on racks, the old-fashioned way.

Yarn Dried in the Warm Fresno Sun

Anzula focuses on speciality, luxury fiber. Wool, linen, silk, camel, cashmere, and many more options are featured in their yarn blends. The range grows significantly every year as new yarns and colorways are added to an already dazzling array of choices. (Speaking from personal experience, it’s all a joy to work with!)

All the yarn is spun within North America and is processed at the Anzula factory, which is currently located near Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno.

The yarn is prepped, dyed, and dried in the Fresno sunshine, then reskeined, labeled on site, and sent to yarn shops all over the U.S. and the rest of the world. Japan, Italy, Holland, the U.K.—you can find Anzula yarn there.

Gratuitous yarn glamour shot

Anzula on the Move

2017 is, deservedly, a big year for Sabrina. It’s Anzula’s 15-year anniversary, and the company is gearing up to move into newly refurbished digs in the next few months—a project that has been in the works for a few years.

The new location will be on Blackstone between Belmont and Olive, so Anzula will still be close to its Downtown Fresno roots, but will technically be in the Tower District.

Working out the details with Anzula employees Charlie and Becca

If you know Sabrina, you know that her business is her baby, and her employees are like a large, extended family. Quality and consistency are a huge part of the culture there.

Sabrina is adamant that her workers are treated accordingly, making a living wage and getting access to additional perks as the company grows. I ask what the ultimate goal is for the company, and the excitement in her voice is clear.

“We’re almost there. I want to create sustainable jobs in our economically depressed area, build community, and keep the lifeblood flowing in local yarn stores everywhere!”

That’s why, at any given time, there are Anzula trunk shows planned all over the country. Sabrina has a crazy travel schedule to keep up with and is quick to acknowledge that a huge part of being able to do that is trusting that her fearless crew has her back, holding down the fort and keeping things running smoothly at home.

“How does it feel to know that your yarn is sold in shops worldwide?” I ask Sabrina.

“It still blows my mind!” she says, with a grin. “Seriously, it still feels like I’m joking when I tell people.”

Craftopia’s “Wall of Anzula” (plus bonus elusive yarn needles).

Where to Find Anzula Near You

If you’d like to spot or capture Anzula Luxury Fibers in the wild, there are several awesome local shops that can make that happen. For a complete list of shops, click here.

Craftopia, 2225 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 101, Fresno

In addition to Anzula yarns, Craftopia carries indie crafting supplies of all kinds (not just yarn), features how-to classes for all sorts of creative pursuits, and hosts social gatherings, like knit nights. It’s reportedly also a great place to host parties for kids.

Swatches, 1764 W. Bullard Ave, Fresno

An excellent local yarn store! Check out their selection of Anzula fiber. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to do entrelac knitting, Swatches is currently teaching classes on Wednesdays. And with Max’s eatery next door and a Dutch Bros. kiosk in the parking lot, you won’t starve or suffer a caffeine deficit if you decide to make a day of it.

Root, 1424 Fulton Street, Fresno

A general store that specializes in products made by local, small businesses? How FresYes is that? Yet another positive player in the quest for downtown revitalization. Go check them out and you literally can be able to say you’ve “been there, done that, bought the yarn.” Or, you know, the t-shirt, if that’s more your thing. (They have cool ones.)

All photographs courtesy of Anzula Luxury Yarns. Used with permission.

The Little Free Library and Project 27K Bring Books To Fresno

January 9, 2017 by JoAnn Hallum Leave a Comment

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

A Birthday Wish Comes True

What’s your idea of a great birthday? Cake? Shopping? A nap? For NaAsiaha Simon, her dream birthday involved 27,000 books. Not books for herself, but for an entire city.

“When I thought of how I was going to spend my 27th birthday, I wanted to do something different. For the last 26 years, God has blessed me with everything I’ve wanted—with my career, my family, my friends, my relationships… so when I turned 27 I wanted to give back,” explains NaAsiaha.

Project 27K founders Monisha Edwards and NaAsiaha Simon pose with a Star Wars-themed Little Free Library box

To achieve her book goal, she partnered with Monisha Edwards of Truth Branding Agency to launch Project 27K, an effort to collect books for the youth of Fresno and its surrounding areas. Amazingly, NaAsiaha’s already met her goal of raising 27,000 books by her 27th birthday. Currently, she has 27,000+ books waiting to get into the hands of the children of Fresno, and she’s still taking donations.

Investing in Books Invests in Fresno

Last week, the Little Free Library of Fresno held its launch party at Bitwise Industries. I was there, eating cupcakes and discovering the big hearts behind this fantastic organization. It was an evening of community and hope, and it made me feel so lucky to live in Fresno.

Little Free Library Fresno’s goal is to have a library box in every neighborhood. With the intention of having all of the libraries within 10 miles of a school, they’re partnering with local schools to have teachers give kids free reading lessons once a month.

Explains Monisha, “We’re very big on fundamentals and reading and we just wanted to give back to the children. We wanted to make sure they have the resources they need to read and learn, even if they don’t have money or transportation to a local library.”

Some of the books donated to Project 27K

A completed library box, painted by the Fresno Silverback Gorillas Motorcycle Club

Sponsoring a Free Library Couldn’t Be Easier

Because of NaAsiaha and Monisha’s hard work, it’s ridiculously easy for community members to put up a library box in their neighborhoods, and totally free. The Little Free Library isn’t limited to neighborhoods that can afford to invest in building a little library—Fresno’s program is available to all communities in town, and to people of all ages.

Since the libraries are constructed from old newspaper boxes donated by the Fresno Bee, there’s no start-up cost for sponsors. Thanks to a partnership with Home Depot, you don’t even have to pay for the paint to decorate it. And, of course, Project 27K provides the books and keeps the library stocked. Basically, if you want your neighborhood to have a library, you just need to volunteer to put it there and keep an eye on it.

Even if you’re unable to sponsor a library box, you can still help by donating books. Maybe you’re embarrassed that you own three copies of Twilight, or your child has outgrown their Dr. Suess collection. Here’s your chance to de-clutter and do good. Of course, you can donate new books as well. Little Free Library Fresno accepts books for any reading level and any age, from infants to adults.

9-year-old Jaden asks founder NaAsiaha Simon if it’s true you can trade books for free with the Little Free Library. It’s true!

Pastor D.J. Criner meets with Little Free Library founders Monisha Edwards and NaAsiaha Simon to bless the launch

Isn’t it refreshing to be part of a city that’s full of people who want to give back? No town is perfect, but people like Monisha and NaAsiaha are working hard to fix the rough spots and make Fresno a better place for everyone. Now’s a great time to get involved and support the Fresno Little Free Library. It’s easy and free, and NaAsiaha and Monisha have 27,000 books they want to get out of their cars and into the community. What are you waiting for?

To Sponsor a Free Library in Your Neighborhood:

Fill out the form at the bottom of the website to get in contact with Little Free Library Fresno.

To Donate Books to the 27K Project:

Drop off at Truth Branding Agency located at Bitwise South Stadium, 700 Van Ness Ave., in downtown Fresno, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

or mail donations to

Attn: “Project 27K”

4226 North Constance Ave.

Fresno, CA 93722

Here’s Why You Should Know Musician Kat Aleksenko

January 6, 2017 by Craig Scharton Leave a Comment

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Craig Scharton

I’m a weirdo. I’m a downtown revitalization, old neighborhood, old houses weirdo.

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It should not come as any surprise to learn there is a ton of local talent here in Fresno. Throughout the year, I’ll be writing occasional profiles in order to shine a light on local businesses, farmers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, chefs and actors you should know about.

My first artist profile is Fresno native and 2014 Bullard High graduate Katerina (Kat) Aleksenko. I like her story, in large part, because of how many local people have come into her life and offered support; you probably even know some of the supporting cast of this young performer’s life. I believe this is one of the strengths of Fresno and the Central Valley: We enjoy helping out a friend or neighbor, student, budding entrepreneur or artist.

Kat at the mic (photo by Laura Sidsworth)

An Artist From the Very Beginning

Kat started writing music in her head as early as she can remember, especially when she was playing on the swings and monkey bars. When she was 7, she wrote down her first song. At 13, her honorary aunt, local author Laura Sidsworth, bought her a guitar, and a friend taught her three chords. That spawned nine songs, which she recorded at a local sound studio. This was the year in which her parents split up, and her music reflected nature, healing, and the good things in life—even if it is sometimes rocky. She was also in Good Company Players Junior Company for two shows, which is an amazing opportunity for young singers, dancers, and performers who want to learn and gain experience in the performing arts.

At 16, Kat’s Aunt Laura signed her up for vocal lessons with Professor Anthony Radford at Fresno State. She’s still taking lessons from him four years later, and she credits him with helping her voice grow both in range and stamina. Local musician and music educator Mike Dana has also been a huge inspiration.

Kat found a lot of creative support at Bullard and was encouraged to take ceramics and choir. She and some fellow students even painted a copy of Michelangelo’s “Creation” for Christmas Tree Lane, although the nudity in the piece generated some amusing controversy.

Another great supporter of local art, John Ostlund’s Jewel FM Gallery, invited students to participate in a show called “How Art Affects the Community.” Kat jumped at the chance to participate.

Taking Her Talent to the People

One evening, Kat was on the patio of Starving Artists Bistro in north Fresno playing her guitar for a friend’s birthday gathering. The restaurant’s owner, Bob Sullivan, who is an incredibly friendly and encouraging guy, persuaded Kat to move from the patio to the stage. She played for four hours and made $73 in tips! Afterward, Bob also helped Kat get onto a television show at CMAC to play her music.

Tower District coffee house Mia Cuppa’s open mic nights also gave Kat a chance to continue to perform. The event organizer, Michael Ault, introduced Kat to local creative genius, Marc Blake, who also organizes a show called City Limits Live at Jewel FM. Marc invited Kat onto the show and put her on with other local musicians, continuing to build her network.

How You Can Enjoy Kat’s Music

This brings us to today. Kat has filmed a video for her song “Sat Chit Ananda” with local videographer and director David Kennedy of Radiator Media, and Keith Seaman let them use his downtown Fresno photography studio as their set. Dance legend Cory Zamora did the choreography while Carollyn DeVore of DeVore Talent & Casting helped cast the local dancers: Samantha Moreno, Brandon Yang, and Anthony Taylor.

Kat told me, “Fresno really supports art and music. There are so many great things happening like Starving Artists, downtown revitalization and ArtHop, Mia Cuppa, and 559 Local Brewery. People are really getting involved, especially people my age.”

Kat’s songs are available on iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Shazam, Spotify, Amazon, and Radio Airplay, all of which you can find through her website: www.kattheartist.com.

And if you want to see Kat live, she will be singing, doing live painting, and exhibiting her art work at the Cornerstone Coffee Company for ArtHop on February 2nd. Come out to meet Kat and you’ll also see so many more local artists and musicians that are worth your support, too! What better way to kick off a new year of new music and new experiences in Fresno, right?

FresYes Blood Drive Recap

December 12, 2016 by Jason Farris Leave a Comment

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com

Friendsgiving Memories From Around the Valley

November 19, 2016 by Kendra Gilbert Leave a Comment

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Kendra Gilbert

Writer at FresYes.com

Kendra Gilbert is a writer born and raised in Clovis. She has written for publications from Boston to Los Angeles and loves writing about fashion and people most of all. The abbreviated list of things she enjoys outside of writing includes: thrifting, photography, harmonica, beer, movies, hiking and skee ball.

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Friendsgiving. That non-holiday holiday that bridges the gap between Halloween and Thanksgiving, and allows friends to celebrate sans the family drama. No, it’s not officially recognized, but the number of people partaking seems to be growing. The Central Valley is home to countless Friendsgiving celebrations of its own. Here you’ll find just a few Friendsgiving musings from local people. I hope this collection inspires you to reflect on your own memories of that special day that’s not marked on any calendar. Or, if you’ve never participated in a Friendsgiving before, I hope this encourages you to start a new tradition.

* Me *

When I lived in Los Angeles, a residency that lasted from the latter half of my twenties until the day I turned 30, I longed to be a part of a Friendsgiving gathering. Being away from home, one tiny person in the vastness of a city like L.A., could get really lonely. Especially around the holidays. And though I always managed to make it back to Clovis for the big holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, I still longed for a celebration with the friends that had become like family to me as we all struggled to find our foothold in the movie biz metropolis. But one never materialized, for whatever reason. And it wasn’t until I moved home, that I experienced my first Friendsgiving.

I’d left behind good friends, and others I’d only started to get to know, when I moved away. Coming home began the process of getting to know them better. Our first Friendsgiving together in 2013 (pictured below) was the beginning of many opportunities to do that. Four years later, these strengthened bonds with this amazing group of people is one of the things I am most thankful for. This group is what I’d always hoped to find. Turns out, they’d been there all along.

On a less sentimental note, Friendsgiving is also an excuse to have two Thanksgiving dinners. Twice the turkey. Twice the stuffing. Twice the pie! What’s not to love about that?

* Ellie Koleen *

Friendsgiving is always one of my favorite days of the entire year. I consider my closest friends family and I couldn’t be more thankful for the richness they add to my life. Friendsgiving is a chance to show how grateful I am for them by taking the time to put together a beautiful evening of food, laughs and memories to last until the next year!

* Micah Qualle *

Friendsgiving for me has been a slow evolution since the early 2000’s. When I was going to Fresno City, my buddies and I got into smoking briskets. We ended up turning our ‘Meat Night’ into an annual thing, playing Risk and gorging ourselves on food. After I got married in 2005, the ‘Meat Night’ had to grow to accommodate the addition of a lady friend. Seeing as how meat nights had been a decidedly masculine affair prior to that point, it was at this time that Fallstravaganza was born. Not explicitly connected to Thanksgiving, we usually had Fallstravaganza in late October or early November, with an open house potluck and a community art project. After kids started getting born and what not, Fallstravaganza got toned down to Friendsgiving. For the past five years, we’ve gotten together five families who have been friends since high school the day before Thanksgiving to touch base, share stories from the year and enjoy good food.

I’ve been fortunate to have quality Thanksgiving traditions w/ my mom and dad, but Friendsgiving has been an extra dimension of community and thankfulness. There’s something about the choice of being together and the renewal of commitment to being together that makes a difference to me.