May 1, 2026

“All Gave Some, Some Gave All” – Remember Memorial Day – May 24, 2026

On Memorial Day in 1924, young Boy Scouts tend the graves of fallen Fresno County servicemen as grizzled Grand Army of the 

Republic Veterans supervise the lads to ensure they properly and respectfully place each American flag. In this poignant image of an age, it is interesting to note that the Civil War soldiers would have been born around the 1840s and the Scouts appear to be around age 10.

A Message from the President

Dear Members, Supporters, and Friends of the FCCHS,

Today marks the kick-off of National Historic Preservation Month. I admit I am pleasantly surprised that this year’s theme is “All Men Are Created Equal.” As a member of the all-volunteer Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for the City of Fresno, appointed by the mayor, one of our many duties is to create a calendar of activities each May that celebrates our diverse community. I am 100% certain that there is something that will appeal to each of you, including our kick off event at The Archive on Kern during Art Hop on May 7^th – we will be introducing (fingers crossed) a new, locally produced beer as well as the debut of the Dyer Straits (tequila based or mocktail) along with several other specialty beverages. Yes, that is spelled that way intentionally.

A little about National Historic Preservation Month in the National Trust’s own words:

“This May, Preservation Month takes on a new meaning. As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we’re looking to the places that bring its most powerful promise to life, that ‘all people are created equal,’ and to the preservationists making sure those places endure.

“This year, help us celebrate the historic sites, neighborhoods, and landmarks that tell the full American story—places that remind us of how far we've come and how far we still have to go.

“Preservation Month is your moment. Share how the places you protect spark joy, inspire wonder, and connect communities to our shared history. We want to hear about historic sites that tell Americans who we are, places that continue to shape our 250-year journey to becoming a more perfect union.

“Join preservationists across the country by posting your Preservation Month activities in the National Trust’s LinkedIn Group. Tell us what you're protecting, what story it tells, and how you're marking this milestone!”

If you are interested in more details, learn about America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places of 2026, the Trust is offering the following:

“We are announcing the 2026 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places on May 20, and this year’s lineup features sites that amplify one of the most important principles from our Founding Era, that All People Are Created Equal. Make sure you are signed up for email to be among the first to be notified when the list is revealed. This link will get you there - https://savingplaces.org/americas-most-endangered-historic-places."

This leads seamlessly to our Local Register of Historic Places. The Historic Preservation Commission makes recommendations on whether any properties, buildings and districts, usually 50 years or older, have the necessary characteristics to potentially be listed as an historic resource. There are specific qualifications that must be met. From the City of Fresno’s Historic Preservation page:

“Fresno was founded by the Central Pacific Railroad Company in 1872, and Leland J. Stanford, a Director for the Railroad, is credited with selecting the site of the city. On a scouting party in 1871, Stanford noticed a wheat field belonging to A.Y. Easterby, lush and green in the middle of the dry prairie. Stanford announced, “Wonderful! Here we must build the town!” Fresno became the county seat in 1874 and was incorporated in 1885. By 1890 the population was over 10,000 and ornate Victorian commercial buildings lined Mariposa Street. The first streetcars were introduced in 1892 and streetcar suburbs soon followed. By the 1920s the streetcar system had 50 miles of track and Downtown core featured soaring neoclassical high-rises and sidewalks packed with pedestrians.

“Today, Fresno has the largest collection of historic resources in central California and preservation is playing an important role in the revitalization of Downtown and other neighborhoods. The City of Fresno’s Historic Preservation Ordinance was approved by the City Council in 1979 and today there are more than 300 designated historic resources. The City was the first in California designated as a Preserve America Community by former First Lady Laura Bush.

“The Ordinance establishes the Historic Preservation Commission and is comprised of seven individuals appointed by the mayor, who have training and expertise in preservation, architecture, architectural history, engineering, and related fields.

“The Commission typically meets on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:00 PM, in City Hall, 2600 Fresno Street. The Commission reviews all substantial alterations proposed to historic properties, nominations to the Local Register of Historic Resources, requests for Heritage Property designation, and comments on plans and projects that have the potential to affect the historic integrity of Fresno’s historic resources and cultural heritage. The Historic Preservation Specialist may approve, in the name of the Commission, of non-substantial alterations. Commission hearings are open to the public and participation is highly encouraged.”

The Ordinance itself is interesting reading and, when necessary, the decisions of the HPC, once adopted by the City Council, have the resources of Code Enforcement and other departments to ensure the stipulations are followed.

Fresno County, on the other hand, has a wonderful entity known as the Historical Landmarks & Records Advisory Commission, housed within the Fresno County Library’s purview. Here is the description from Fresno County’s website of their mandate:

“ Advise the BOS on property/landmark preservation and designation; maintain list of County historic places; advise the BOS on properties that might be added to the local, state and national registers of historic places; coordinate with other community agencies and organizations to carry out the goal of historic preservation; advise the BOS on the preservation of governmental records, including the retention and storage of these records; advise the County Library in their work for the preservation of all local historic records in the County; and coordinate with other agencies/organizations to foster and promote the preservation of all appropriate historic records.”

Five members are nominated and appointed by the Board of Supervisors and 12 members are nominated by the Commission and appointed by the Board. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of January, March, May, September and November at various locations.

Here is the website - https://www.fresnolandmarks.com. Unfortunately, while this very dedicated Commission has designated hundreds of historical sites, buildings, districts, and even recognizes Centennial Farms, Schools and Businesses, they do not have an enforcement mechanism.

Over the past few meetings, HPC has had to tackle the fate of some very difficult properties – for example. The Weinstock's building and the E Street Bee Building as well as potential Ordinance violations on Huntington Boulevard. Be assured, your HPC does its homework and, even though a result will certainly not please everyone, careful consideration of the ramifications of any of our recommendations are painstakingly researched and debated. The City staff assigned to HPC is tremendous even without a sitting City Preservation Officer in place right now.

The reality is, not every building over 50 years of age can be saved. Like it or not, there are economic factors at play – even though we do not consider them in decisions – and so many older properties are nearly unsalvageable. The current FCCHS and the HPC are intent on making wise choices on what should and can be preserved. Even if it is not always readily apparent, the City is on top of preservation.



I truly hope you will take some time to join us in May, June, and July for a massive celebration of America in her Semi-Quincentennial year.

Warmest regards, 

Elizabeth Laval                                    

President
Fresno City & County Historical Society 

FRESNO JOINS THE NATION IN

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

The City of Fresno is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

As our nation approaches July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Fresno will take part in honoring the people, stories, and communities that form the fabric of our Country.

For generations, Fresno has been home to many who have contributed to the American story—through resilience, innovation, service, culture, and community leadership. The America 250 celebration provides an opportunity for Fresno residents to reflect on our shared history, honor those who served, and recognize the diverse voices that define our city, and imagine the future we want to build together.

Through community events and local partnerships, Fresno will celebrate this historic milestone with reflection, pride, and deep appreciation for the enduring spirit of America.

The Fresno City & County Historical Society is proud and honored to be contributing to the Semi-Quincentennial of our country with a project titled 250 Voices – One America, One Fresno – a video that, from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, will literally capture 250 distinct individuals representing ALL parts of our City. Details will be released soon on the City of Fresno and valleyhistory.org websites as well as across social media platforms. We look forward to meeting you all! 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH KICK OFF EVENT

MAY 7, 2026 at THE ARCHIVE ON KERN

The Historical Society is pleased to host the Historic Preservation Month Kick Off event at The Archive on Kern on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM. Come by for a tour of this historic 1919 building, the original printery for the Fresno Morning Republican Newspaper, in which the press still resides.

The event will include a screening of newly digitized and restored film produced by KMJ in 1960 for the celebration of Fresno City's 75th birthday.

Additionally, guests can enjoy our current exhibit: From China to Fresno: A 150 Year Cultural Journey as well as see one of the Belmont Underpass Lanterns and learn the story of their discovery. View photographs and ephemera from the Pop Laval Foundations' Family Collection along with the film As Pop Saw It, the story of famed photographer Claude "Pop" Laval and his collection of early Fresno images.

Guests will also visit booth spaces from community groups working in history and preservation and learn about the Mills Act from the City of Fresno's Historic Preservation Commission.

Lastly, the event will launch a new Fresno brew in the AOK Bar. Crafted by the Historic Preservation Commission's own Vice Chair, Jason Hatwig, the Porch Session Shandy is a crisp wheat ale kissed with real lemon. Light, breezy, and made for long evenings when the only thing on your to-do list is another sip. 4.2% ABV. The kind of beer that tastes like sunshine and second rounds. So stop in for cool glass and stay for the history.

Historic Preservation Month activities will be taking place throughout the city all month long. Below is a full calendar of scheduled events:

FIELDS OF FRESNO AG TOURS

FROM ROOTS TO HARVEST: 
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE VALLEY’S “BLUE GEMS”

Our inaugural Blueberries, Roots & Rows Ag Tour kicked off the season with a full look at the journey behind one of Fresno County’s standout crops; from early plant development to fresh market and final tasting experiences. Blueberry enthusiasts and guests alike were able to connect directly with local growers, explore diverse stops across the Valley, and see firsthand how each stage plays a role in bringing agriculture to life.

The day began at Marthedal Farms, where guests experienced a working production site and saw how Valley-grown blueberries are packed and shipped internationally to markets as far as Taiwan and Japan with nearly one million pounds processed during peak season.

The Central Valley plays a vital role in feeding the nation, producing 25% of the country’s food, all within a region that makes up only a small portion of U.S. farmland.

We were especially glad to hear how much the experience resonated with attendees. As one guest shared, “The tour was so informative, and one of my favorite parts was the opportunity to ask questions and interact with other attendees. An absolutely wonderful experience.”

As we look ahead, our next tour will shift focus toward savory crops of the Valley and this time, we’re turning up the heat.

Join us on Friday, June 12th for an experience that will engage your senses as we explore where bell peppers are grown and the journey they take from field to table, beginning at Baloian Farms.

NEW: 2026 AG TOUR SEASON PASS

Looking for a unique and meaningful gift for mom or dad or a way to experience something new throughout the year? Introducing our Fields of Fresno Ag Tour Season Pass, the perfect way to enjoy multiple immersive experiences across the Valley. With a season pass, you can join us on five different tours, each offering something new—from farm visits and production sites to lunch and tasting experiences tailored to each theme. No two tours are the same, and each one brings a fresh perspective on agriculture in our region.

A savings of $100 compared to purchasing all tours individually, your pass includes:

 Guaranteed seat on the motorcoach for each tour

 Access to multiple farm sites, production tours, lunch, and tastings

 The flexibility to send someone in your place if you are unable to attend

Tour Lineup:

June 12– Spice of the Valley (Chili & Bell Peppers)

July 18 – Sweet Summer Melons

September 12 – From Dairy to Creamery - Great for the whole family

October 17 – Harvest Gourds & Goats (Fall on the Ranch)

November 7 – Ruby and Amber Harvest (Pomegranates & Persimmons)

Spots are limited so secure your seat on the motorcoach for the season today.

For more information, visit our website or reach out to Shelsea at savalos@valleyhistory.org

Proudly made possible by:

UPCOMING KEARNEY MANSION EVENTS

MOTHER'S DAY TEA PARTY

Celebrate Mom on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Kearney Mansion Museum with a traditional tea party. This special event offers your choice of seating in the Mansion Dining Room or on the Veranda overlooking Kearney Park. 

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The event offers two seating times for tea at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM and includes a traditional tea service and a tour of the Kearney Mansion Museum and Gallery along with a 10% discount on store merchandise. 

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Seating is limited, secure your tickets today.



SUCCULENT SOCIAL

Join us for a charming summer evening at Kearney Mansion on June 26 for a special Succulent Social in partnership with The Gray Pot 

Guests will enjoy a relaxed, creative experience while enjoying a welcoming cocktail/ mocktail and light refreshments while designing their own succulent arrangement to take home. The evening also includes a guided tour of the Kearney Mansion Museum, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of M. Theo Kearney, along with a takeoff tour of the beautiful grounds. 

Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or simply looking for a fun and unique night out, this event is the perfect blend of history, creativity, and community. 

A LIFELINE FOR FRESNO’S BASQUE COMMUNITY

By Cami Cipolla, Director of Educational Services and Community Engagement

It is hard to believe May is already here, and with it, National Historic Preservation Month!

But instead of starting with a definition, I want to start with a moment I experienced.

This past weekend, I stumbled onto a historic walking tour on the fresnohistory.org website. Many of the places on the National Register are near The Archive On Kern, curious about the buildings I pass every day without a second thought, I took the tour. One stop in particular caught my attention, the Santa Fe Railroad Depot and the nearby Santa Fe Hotel.

At first glance, they’re just part of the downtown landscape. But the more I looked, the more the story unfolded.

Fresno itself owes much of its existence to the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s, tracks laid across what was once open plain, transforming the region into a center of agriculture, industry, and opportunity. The railroad didn’t just pass through, it built the city, helping to transform Fresno to what it is today.

And yet, even that story holds tension. For decades, one company held a monopoly over transportation, shaping not just commerce, but daily life. When the Valley Road line arrived in the 1890s, it was seen as something close to liberation. The Fresno Republican newspaper at the time described it as breaking the grip of an “octopus” that had long controlled the region. Suddenly, there was hope, movement, and possibility. That sense of movement, of people arriving, leaving, building lives is what took me back to the Santa Fe Hotel.

Because this is where the story becomes personal.

The hotel wasn’t just a place to stay; it was a lifeline for Fresno’s Basque community. Newly arrived shepherds would come here looking for work, for connection, for a place to belong. It was known as “sheep camp,” a seasonal home where men who spent months alone on the range could return to the community.

There’s a story from a Fresno Bee article, one that’s stayed with me, that the hotel’s storeroom once held as many as one hundred bedrolls. Some belonged to men who hadn’t been seen in decades! Just imagine that for a moment. Each bedroll representing a life, a journey, a story, many of them untold.

The hotel served as more than lodging. It was a place where people found jobs, received medical care, welcomed children into the world, and cared for elders at the end of their lives. It held an entire ecosystem of community within its walls. And while its purpose has evolved over time, that legacy still lingers: in the building, in the neighborhood, and even in the continuation of Basque food and tradition here in Fresno. Shep’s Club, at Sheperd’s Inn, carries this history, this cultural heritage today through food, stories, and legacy.

This is why preservation matters.

Not just because of architecture, or design, or even age, but because of the stories held within these places. Stories of movement, resilience, identity, and belonging. Places like these remind us that history isn’t distant. It’s something we pass every day, often without realizing it.

So this month, I encourage you to take a closer look around our city, whether through a walking tour, a conversation, or simply pausing in front of a familiar building and asking, what happened here? Because everywhere we go, there is more to discover. And sometimes, the most extraordinary stories are the ones hiding in plain sight.

Cheers friends, and happy exploring!

ARCHIVAL SPOTLIGHT 

Signals of Devotion: A Sweetheart Banner from Camp Pinedale

By Donald Spencer MSc., Archivist. 

Hello, Friends of the Archives, 

Earlier this February, I had the pleasure of receiving a unique and remarkably interesting donation shipped directly to the archives by Tim and Tamara K. The piece, preserved for decades as a cherished keepsake, once belonged to Tamara’s grandmother, Sophia. Upon learning about the item, and examining it once received, I was quite intrigued. The reason for my curiosity, I will admit, was that I was completely unfamiliar with what I was looking at. The usage of banners in our nation’s military is, of course, widely known and understood. However, this was my introduction to what is known as a “sweetheart banner.” This banner, that is now in the Collection, was gifted to Sophia at a dance around 1942 by a service man she was seeing from the Signal Corps, at the Pinedale Base. 

The item itself is a World War II-era Army banner, rendered in a soft, light green silk and framed with delicate white fringe. Square in shape, it bears the words, “U.S. Signal Corps, Camp Pinedale, California - Sweetheart.” Though modest in size, its presence tells a deeper story of military dating culture while also giving us a piece of Pinedale history. The silk has retained much of its original texture, and the fringe, though aged, still decorates the piece with a sense of lavish design. Such banners were commonly produced between 1941 and 1948, often made of silk or satin, and adorned with military insignia, patriotic motifs, and unit identifications. Families would display them proudly in their homes as visible symbols of love, loyalty, and connection to those serving overseas. 

Sweetheart items that came in many different forms, like this banner, were part of a broader culture of wartime remembrance and devotion. They were not official military issues, but rather personal objects purchased, gifted, or kept as tokens of affection. A banner such as this, may have been displayed in a window, hung on a wall, or kept carefully folded among personal belongings, serving as a quiet but constant reminder of someone far from home. 

This particular banner ties directly to the historic community of Pinedale, now a neighborhood within the city of Fresno. During the early 1940s, Pinedale was a distinct, unincorporated community, situated along the Southern Pacific Railroad. It was here that Camp Pinedale operated during World War II, a site with a layered and complex history. Initially established as a lumber mill, it was repurposed as an Assembly Center following Executive Order 9066. The camp held thousands of Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated from their homes. Shortly thereafter, the site also served military purposes, including operations associated with the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the very unit referenced on this banner. 

In this way, the banner exists at the intersection of multiple historical narratives. It tells of military service, homefront romance or devotion, and the profound realities of wartime America. While we do not know the exact service member connected to this piece, its preservation within a family collection suggests it held personal significance.

Over time, the banner was kept safely as a memento, passed through generations before eventually making its way to us here in the Archives. Its journey mirrors that of many such objects that remain quietly preserved, not for their material value, but for what they represent. We are honored to care for this piece, not only because of its connection to World War II, but because of its ties to Pinedale. Much of Pinedale’s history is now difficult to trace, making objects like this and physical locations all the more valuable. They serve as tangible reminders of a landscape, a community, individuals, and a moment in time that might otherwise be overlooked in contemporary times. 

Items like this sweetheart banner remind us that history is not only found in official records or grand events such as a international conflict like WWII, but also in the deeply personal objects people chose to keep. They reflect how individuals and families endured uncertainty, expressed devotion, and remained connected to one another during what was one of the most challenging periods in human history. In preserving these objects, we ensure that these quiet stories of love, conflict, and community continue to be seen and understood. 

DISCOVER FRESNO’S HISTORY 
THROUGH GUIDED TOURS 

By Debbie Unger, Tour Manager

Step into the stories that shaped our region with guided tours offered by the Fresno City & County Historical Society at both the beautiful Kearney Mansion Museum and the fascinating Archive on Kern, located in historic downtown Fresno. Whether you are exploring a historic home or diving into local archives, there is something for everyone to experience.

Kearney Mansion Museum Tours 

Located in scenic Kearney Park, these docent-led tours bring the past to life inside the historic home of M. Theo Kearney. 

Tour Schedule: 

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 

12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM 

Each tour includes all three floors of the mansion, the ranch kitchen, and access to the gallery featuring rotating exhibits as well as the Kearney Ranch Store.

Special Tour: Twilight Tours  

(Thursday Evenings at 7 PM through September 2026) 

Enjoy an evening experience of the Mansion as the sun sets. 

Archive on Kern Tours 

Explore Fresno’s rich history inside a restored 1919 newspaper building, home to fascinating collections and exhibits.  

Guided Tour Schedule: 

Fridays & Saturdays 

12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM   

Tours include the historic printing press, archival collections, and current exhibitions.

Courthouse Park Walking Tours 

Take history outdoors with a guided walk through downtown Fresno. 

Tour Schedule: 

Fridays & Saturdays 

3:45 PM  

Group & School Tours 

Looking for a customized experience? 

• Private group tours are available by appointment. 
• School tours offer engaging, educational field trip opportunities at both locations.  

Plan Your Visit 

From historic architecture to hands-on local history, these tours offer a unique way to connect with Fresno’s past. Whether you are bringing family, students, or visiting on your own, there is a tour waiting for you. 

Purchase these tickets by visiting our website here.

We look forward to having you visit us at both locations. 

SAVE THE DATE

HERITAGE IN ACTION - JUNE 19, 2026

By Cami Cipolla, Director of Educational Services and Community Engagement

Join us this summer for Heritage in Action: Black History Shaping Fresno’s Future, a powerful community celebration honoring the legacy, resilience, and cultural contributions of Fresno’s African American community.

Taking place on June 19th from 2 PM –7 PM at The Archive On Kern, this Juneteenth event will bring together storytelling, education, and celebration in one vibrant space.

Guests can look forward to:

• An educational exhibit highlighting Fresno’s Black history
• A community panel featuring local leaders
• A lively street fair with Black-owned businesses, artists, food, music, and more
• Opportunities to participate in an oral history initiative—share your story and preserve your family’s legacy



This project is supported by the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture grant. The Fresno City & County Historical Society and The Alley in the Valley will also contribute to a future documentary, highlighting these community voices.

Heritage in Action is rooted in the belief that preserving and uplifting these stories strengthens our entire community.



More details coming soon—we hope to see you there!

ROOTS OF THE VALLEY: 
OLD ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

Having just completed a glorious and historic campus tour of Fresno City College last night, the time seemed right to reflect on the journey of what is now known as the Old Administration Building – the beating heart of education in our region for more than a century – especially since her survival and revival were anything but simple. This seems a perfect story for National Historic Preservation Month and a reminder to all that sometimes our past, even a building, can often help define a better future. Just imagine what the oldest community college in California would be without her OAB!

The Fresno City College Old Administration Building, located on the west side of the college campus, is built of solid brick with tapestry face brick. The roof covering is mission clay tile. Among its decorative features are handmade hard-burned bricks, classic ornamentation at the main and secondary entrances, classic brick arches and stone balconies overlooking central courtyards, and lavish Moorish geometric details in brick on the east and west walls of the auditorium and above the arches of the covered walks around the perimeter of the courts.

In a statement prepared by the State Architect, George McDougall, in 1916, he noted that the sunny California climate was largely responsible for the remarkable open-air features of the building's courtyards. He had decided, "to use brick and stone in warm shades and of a style reminiscent of the Renaissance architectures built with these materials in Northern Italy and Spain." While modern requirements had necessitated "a free translation of these styles," he had nevertheless introduced themes "recalling Spanish woodturning and Lombard brickwork." McDougall concluded that "we think the building of the Fresno Normal School is a distinct step in the advancement of school architecture in this state."

“Historical significance”

The Old Administration building is the only surviving complex remaining from the Fresno State Normal School, the first institution of higher education for the training of teachers in the San Joaquin Valley. Construction began in 1915 and was completed in 1916; it was the first permanent building on the campus. The building originally contained administrative offices, classrooms and a library on the second floor.

The Normal School developed into Fresno State Teacher's College in 1921, into Fresno State College in 1935, and into Fresno City College in 1956 when Fresno State College (now California State University, Fresno) moved to a new campus several miles north. After standing empty for many years and being threatened with demolition, the building was restored and re-opened in 2011.

But that information is just scratching the surface of the victorious battle that so many other landmarks in our community have tragically lost.

As late as 2001, the legendary building’s fate was not securely sealed. 

Respected journalist, Jim Boren, published his thoughts in The Fresno Bee.

“Old Administration on Building Status Hardly Historic”

“We dispose of the old, somehow hoping the new will be better. That was the plan by the people who ran City College 25 years ago. They set out to tear down a building with so much history and replace it with a shiny new one.

“The way we have treated the Old Administration Building at Fresno City College says so much about our community. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, yet visitors surely must ask how something so beautiful could have been turned into such an eyesore?

“But in Fresno, we mostly don’t appreciate our past and the lessons it can teach us about our future. We dispose of the old, somehow hoping the new will be better. That was the plan by the people who ran City College 25 years ago. They set out to tear down a building with so much history and replace it with a shiny new one."

“Unfinished Job”

“They got their new building, a pedestrian-looking facility like so many government structures. But they couldn’t quite demolish the Old Administration Building. They underestimated the resolve of local preservationists, who battled to save this building that was constructed in 1916.

“But what college administrators couldn’t do with a wrecker’s ball, they have essentially accomplished by putting the Old Administration Building in limbo.

“They have fenced it off and added barbed wire at the top to emphasize that this public building is not for the public. Weeds grow out of the red tile roof. Windows are boarded up. The inside is deteriorating from roof leaks, and dry rot creeps through this once glorious building. 

“It may be recognized nationally as an historic building, but what we've allowed to occur at Fresno City College is nothing less than a community embarrassment. 

“The 85-year-old building was the first permanent structure on what was then the Fresno State Normal School campus. The school eventually became Fresno State College and finally Fresno City College when Fresno State moved to its current campus in 1958.

“Over the years, the State Center Community College District, which operates Fresno City College, has become less hostile toward the Old Administration Building, which sits on a 2.3-acre plot on the northwest part of the campus. The administration and the board now seem willing to help find a permanent use.

“The main issue is where to get the money to rehabilitate the building. Estimates vary widely, with the range running from $7 million to $20 million. Of course, it would have taken only a tiny fraction of that amount if the college had been willing to fix it up in the mid-1970s. 

“The early plan of the wreckers to mothball the building and let the cost of rehabilitation skyrocket may have been the most effective tactic against it. The longer it sits vacant, the costlier it gets."

“Seeking Solutions”

“The Fresno County Historical Society has been looking for options for the building and almost brokered a deal to make it a senior citizens center. But the Fresno/Madera Area Agency on Aging purchased the former Sierra Community Hospital on Dakota Avenue instead.

“Despite that setback, the Historical Society's work has helped change the tone of the State Center board and administration, and the movement to find a use for the building is now gaining momentum. 

“John Moffat, a member of the Historical Society board, is optimistic about finding a solution. ‘You just don't build buildings like that anymore,’ he said. ‘It's one of the only examples of that style of architecture around, with its masonry and brick work. You can't lose that because you'll lose that whole era of that architecture.’

“Wendell Stephenson, a philosophy instructor at City College, is one of the faculty leaders seeking a use for the building. The Community Coalition for the Renovation and Use of the Old Administration Building is working with the State Center board to find a renovation plan and is also raising money for the project.

“The faculty's involvement is particularly encouraging because FCC instructors were among the biggest champions of demolishing the building. For some odd reason the people who should be teaching history wanted this part of the college's history wiped out. But Stephenson said last month the Academic Senate reversed itself and passed a resolution supporting the coalition's work to find a use for the building.

 "’We're pleased that the staff and teachers and other employees are trying to raise money,’" said Ron Manfredi, a State Center trustee who chairs a subcommittee on the building. ’For now, the board is not going to spend any additional money on studies.’ Manfredi said the board will support the coalition’s application for a grant from the Getty Foundation."

“Building Support”

“The coalition, which began last August with eight people and now numbers 100, will meet Monday to press for solutions. On May 19, the Historical Society has arranged to have the Old Administration Building opened up for public tours as part of National Preservation Week. 

"’The more people who see that building, the more support we will get for it because it's an unbelievable building,’ Moffat said.

“It's time to do the right thing. Tear down that fence and fix up the Old Administration Building. We will be a better community for it.”

Now, let’s enjoy the rebirth of what was so diligently fought for a full decade later on January 28, 2011!

“Campus Gem Finds New Life”

“Old Administration Building leads City College into its second Century”

 “An architectural jewel that once was destined to be torn down to build a parking lot will be celebrated today at Fresno City College. The restored Old Administration Building will be dedicated at 10:30 a.m. While the formal ceremony is today, students began taking classes in the building on January 10th. 

“Preserving this building has been a major cause for us for the past three decades. Although this building has been a part of the community’s heritage for 95 years, it had been an uphill battle to save it. 

“The main excuse was the cost of preserving a structure that needed major upgrading. But preservationists got active, voters allocated bond money, other pockets of funds were tapped, and faculty members and staff led a fund-raising effort to raise the rest of the money to meet the $65 million renovation cost.

“It took a community effort to save the building, but that was just part of the battle. It also took a community effort to raise the funding needed to make it a usable structure that will serve Fresno City College for years to come.

 “It needed a complete seismic retrofit, and the plumbing, electrical and mechanical equipment needed to be overhauled. Two elevators had to be added to meet current regulations. 

“But now it’s ready. In addition to 10 new classrooms, the building houses six faculty offices and seven administrative offices. It has an auditorium that seats 650, and a community room that seats 160. The Gary Soto Literary Museum is located on the first floor. 

“When the building opened in 1916, the City College campus was 15 acres and situated well north of downtown Fresno. Today, the campus is 103 acres and in the heart of Fresno. 

“The Old Administration Building is new again, and that’s worth celebrating.”

From the inspiring tour the FCCHS led last night in partnership with an enthusiastic FCC President, Denise Whisenhunt, and her team, the years of agony have, quite literally, paid off. A side note – FCC is not only the oldest community college in California; she also can boast about having the newest facility in the state with the opening of the West Fresno campus. Now, that is what legacy truly means!

STORIES THAT SHAPED US:

Trusted Messengers: How CVPIA Became 
a Lifeline for Pacific Islander Families

By: Renee Delport, Central Valley Community Foundation

"Six Stories that Shaped Us" Initiative marking 60 years since the founding of CVCF

Photo Credit: In April, the Central Valley Pacific Islander Alliance hosted a meeting of their elders group, “Guiding Hands.” This is a community-driven initiative for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders aged 55 and over living in the Central Valley. Learn more @centralvalleypia.

On a warm April day in Modesto, Bernadine Tuisavalalo and others from the Central Valley Pacific Islander Alliance (CVPIA) were preparing land for a community garden. They would soon plant a variety of vegetables, including taro, a root crop central to Pacific Island cultures and widely grown across Asia and the Pacific. 

CVPIA envisions the garden as an intergenerational gathering place, where younger people can learn from elders while cultivating and sustaining Pacific Islander traditions. 

“The garden is a direct expression of resilience,” Bernadine said. “Many of our home islands are experiencing the impacts of climate change faster than most, and this space is a way to respond through community and culture.” 

Photo Credit: CVPIA works to promote Holistic Health Education and Living by supporting elders and providing a comprehensive Resource Directory and Navigation Support. The organization recognizes April 28, 2021, as their birthdate. On that day, leaders organized a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, expecting 10 people to attend. When the day was over, they delivered 250 vaccinations. That turnout confirmed the important role CVPIA plays as a trusted messenger in the community. Photo courtesy of the Fresno City & County Historical Society. All rights reserved. 

CVPIA’s own roots lie in the COVID-19 pandemic, when data showed a devastating reality: in California, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) were three times more likely to contract the disease and twice as likely to die from it. This is despite NHPI people making up a tiny fraction of the population. For Bernadine, it was a stark confirmation of what she and others in the NHPI community had been experiencing as parents, uncles and aunts began getting sick. 

So Bernadine and five other volunteers quickly mobilized and started meeting via Zoom to discuss what they could do to help. Within six weeks, they pulled together the first Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander vaccine clinic in the Central Valley. They expected 10 people to show up; instead, they vaccinated over 250 that day - April 28, 2021.

“We consider this CVPIA’s birthday,” Bernadine said. “It’s when our community saw us as ‘trusted messengers’ who understood how to reach our people and serve them.”

Today, CVPIA has grown from a six-person volunteer project into an organization that serves, advocates for and uplifts Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in California’s Central Valley. They serve over 1,500 community members across 11 counties through three pillars: health, health equity and youth and young adult services. They also have a new elders group called Guiding Hands. 

CVPIA was founded through the collaboration of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) and the Southern California Community Response Team, SoCal PICRT. 

“While CVPIA was founded with the support of EPIC and SoCal PICRT, it was the longstanding Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander organizations in the Central Valley that allowed us to reach communities more deeply and intentionally,” said Bernadine. These include No Te Here O Te Hiroa in Fresno, Via Dolorosa Congregation Christian Church in Modesto, CenCal CHamorus in Lemoore, Kiki Raina in Merced and Tatou Uma in Bakersfield. 

The CVPIA leadership is grateful for the support they’ve received. “Everyone stands on the shoulders of somebody, and I’m so grateful for all the leaders who came before me and serve alongside me,” Bernadine said. 

Photo Credit: CVPIA is a social justice organization committed to serving, advocating for and uplifting Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities in California’s Central Valley. They strive to create safe spaces for all NHPI identities, foster cultural connections, amplify NHPI voices and support resource navigation—all in solidarity with other marginalized communities. Today, CVPIA serves over 1,500 community members across 11 Central Valley counties, including Sacramento, San Joaquin, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Mariposa and Kern. Ethnic groups served include Samoan, Tongan, Native Hawaiian, Palauan, Fijian, Chuukese, Chamorro and Marshallese. 

This month, Central Valley Community Foundation joins with others across the country who are celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. We recognize CVPIA and celebrate the contributions of our AANHPI neighbors.

California has long been a destination for AANHPI immigrants, the first of whom were Chinese laborers who arrived in the 1800s. Japanese immigrants began arriving in the early 1900s. In the decades that followed, new waves of AANHPI immigrants would make their way to California, seeking hope and fleeing upheaval. After the Vietnam War, Hmong, Lao, Vietnamese and Cambodian families came to the Central Valley. In fact, Fresno is home to one of the largest Hmong populations in the country. 

To learn more about AANHPI heritage in the Central Valley, visit organizations like Central California Asian Pacific Women or the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. 

This story is part of the Central Valley Community Foundation’s “Sixty Stories That Shaped Us” initiative to help mark 60 years since our founding. We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone and this special place we call home. To learn more, visit centralvalleycf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @centralvalleycf.

For more Stories that Shaped Us from the Central Valley Community Foundation Click Here.

MAKING HISTORY EVERY DAY

Fresno to join cities across the US to celebrate America's 250th anniversary
By Kerry Mannix, ABC30, April 28, 2026

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Across the country, Americans are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

On Monday, the City of Fresno unveiled its plans, focusing on bringing the community together.

"This year, Fresno, along with cities across America, will be celebrating America 250," said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

This Independence Day will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and likewise, the conception of the nation.

Monday, Fresno City leaders reflected on the good times and the adversity our country has faced.

"And yet, here we are, 250 years later: the strongest and the greatest nation in the world," said Dyer.

The mayor spoke proudly of the nation while acknowledging what he called shameful points in history.

From slavery to the fight for civil rights to the current backlash over the war in Iran and economic policies, he says he understands why some may choose not to celebrate.

But he and other city officials believe it's more important than ever to come together.

"We all make up the fabric of America. When that fabric is frayed and torn, it should be our responsibility to sew that back together," said the City's Deputy Chief of Staff, Chris Montelongo.

In that spirit of unity, the city announced its theme for this year's celebrations: One America, One Fresno.

Mayor Dyer said it will include displays of patriotism, including 1,000 flags and America 250 banners around Fresno.

This 4th of July, the city expects thousands for a celebration in Downtown Fresno, where it will host a free fireworks show at Chukchansi Park.

"We will celebrate our rich diversity, and we will honor those who have served our country valiantly and our veterans who are here with us today," Dyer said. "We owe it to them."

That message personal to some of Fresno's leaders.

"To our veterans, and to all those currently on active duty like my son: It's for this country that they put themselves on the line," said Elizabeth Laval, president of the Fresno City and County Historical Society, while holding back tears.