Gusty Winds Prompt Health Caution

Blowing dust in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, and the valley portion of Kern counties poses potential health concern

Local air pollution officials are issuing a health cautionary statement effective this evening through tomorrow night May 22, 2013, because of blowing dust resulting from gusty winds. The health caution is in effect for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, and the valley portion of Kern counties.

Winds may produce areas of localized dust, which can result in unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter 10 microns and smaller (PM10). Exposure to particulate pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections.

Where conditions warrant, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure. Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion, depending on their local conditions.

Residents can check the nearest air monitor to their location to determine localized conditions. Visit the Real-time Air Advisory Network page on the District’s website to subscribe for free:http://www.valleyair.org/Programs/RAAN/raan_landing.htm.

Ways To Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims

American Red Cross: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, donate online, or donate by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS     1-800-RED CROSS.

Salvation Army:Text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts, donate online or make a donation by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY .  Send checks to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK 73157. Make sure “Oklahoma Tornado Relief” is written on the check.

Fresno Pet Expo

Today 10:00a to 6:00p

Fresno Fairgrounds Fresno,CA

Two special days planned especially for Central Valley pet owners.  Play, shop, adopt, learn, and enjoy everything about pets with rows and rows of pet supply manufacturers and service providers, breeders, on site adoption services, pet performances, samples, demonstrations, pet training, play area, canine costume contest just in time for Halloween, and so much more!

The Former Secretary of Labor under President Barack Obama Is Coming To Fresno

Fresno State Celebrates Diversity at Commencement Events

(May 15, 2013) – The honorable Hilda Solis, former Secretary of Labor under President Barack Obama and a former U.S. Congresswoman, will be honored during Fresno State’s 37^th Annual Latino Commencement Celebration, 6 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at the Save Mart Center.

The event is the oldest and largest of four Commencement celebrations of diversity at Fresno State that will be held after the University Commencement 9 a.m. Saturday.

The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) will celebrate at noon in the Satellite Student Union and the International Commencement Celebration will be at 1 p.m. in the Music Building Concert Hall.

At 2 p.m., Judge Shelyna V. Brown, a Fresno native who now serves the Santa Clara Superior Court, will speak at the 28^thAfrican American Recognition Program also at the Save Mart Center. [...]

State of the City with Mayor Ashley Swearengin Today

State of the City with Mayor Ashley Swearengin

Thu, May 16, 11:30am – 1:30pm

Where: The Fresno Convention

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce present the annual State of the City Luncheon with the Mayor. This event provides a forum for the Mayor to share, with the community, the City’s accomplishments, opportunities and plans for the future. This event takes place in the summer each year.

Fresno State To Receive More Than $2 Million From Kremen Estate

Fresno State will receive cash and securities from the estate of Dr. Marion Kremen valued in excess of $2 million. Kremen, an educator and philanthropist, made the bequest in her will to provide for an endowment supporting scholarships benefiting the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.

Kremen passed away June 15, 2012 at the age of 102. Her estate was finalized today by the Fresno County Superior Court.

Kremen was a graduate of the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore, Md., and was a classical pianist. She was also on the faculty of numerous colleges, including Fresno State, Michigan State University and Johns Hopkins.

She made her gift to Fresno State in memory of her husband Benjamin Kremen. He founded Fresno State’s school counselor-education program and was a faculty member for over 25 years, retiring in 1976. Dr. Benjamin Kremen passed away in 1995.

The Kremen School is the only institution in the region accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational program. It is one of California’s largest sources of teachers, counselors and school administrators. The Kremen School was the first college in the CSU system to offer an independent doctorate program.

YARTS Bus Service from Sonora to Yosemite National Park

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Commemorating YARTS Bus Service from Sonora to Yosemite National Park

What:   Two “rolling” ribbon cutting ceremonies will be held in Sonora , CA and Groveland, CA to commemorate the beginning of bus service for the season from Sonora to Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park.  The bus used for the ribbon cutting will be traveling from Sonora to Groveland to commemorate the start of this service.  YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) bus service from Sonora into the park, along Highway 120, begins for the season on Thursday, May 16, and runs through Sunday, September15.   (YARTS bus service on Highway 140 runs year-round).

When:  Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Where:           

• 9:00 a.m. Sonora Best Western, 19551 Hess Avenue Sonora, CA
• Media representatives are welcome to board the bus and ride from Sonora to Groveland
• 10:30 a.m. Mary Laveroni Community Park, Highway 120 in Downtown Groveland

Who:

•          Darin Grossi, Executive Director,  Tuolumne County Transportation Council
•          Representatives from Tuolumne County
•          Dick Whittington, Transit Manager, YARTS
•          Business owners and community leaders from the Sonora and Groveland areas.
•         Representatives from Yosemite National Park

A Mother’s Celebration Brunch Set

SERENATA: The 15th Annual Mothers’ Day Brunch and Celebration