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A Message from the President
Members, Supporters, and Friends,
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Happy Birthday to us! Your Fresno City & County Historical Society is turning CVI near the end of the month. To celebrate and to build funds for our incredible (I can brag because it is our birthday) Archive on Kern, we are hosting a 1960’s-themed Gala on March 28th – you can read all about it below and I highly encourage you to attend.
In past issues of The Grapevine, we have shared our legacy in numerous ways. And over the past weeks, we have received architectural diagrams for The Archive on Kern, as well as the blessing of our Board for the plan. In writing a prospectus (aka fundraising portfolio), we have utilized the opportunity to really craft the heart of our Vision and Mission. Today, I feel honored to share this introduction with you.
Over 106 years, the Fresno City & County Historical Society has been the repository of the vast and diverse treasures of the San Joaquin Valley.
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Founded in March 1919, the methods of the Society have evolved through time as technologies, such as the introduction of radio, television, and now digital opportunities continue to open doors of access to the resources we have been entrusted with. Our goals, too, have expanded our scope of work, although our duties to the community largely remain the same.
Initially formed as a repository for the vast index card catalogue of local men (and boys) who had volunteered to serve overseas during World War I, the enthusiasm of families affected, as seen from this excerpt from The Fresno Morning Republican newspaper, formed a strong and vital foundation for the work of the FCCHS today.
“Reports continue to be received from principals and teachers at schools in all parts of the county indicating that the response to the appeal for soldiers' biographies has been gratifyingly general. While it has been impossible for many parents to furnish photographs now, as their sons are still in the army, many in Europe have promised to send in photos and supplementary reports later. On the same afternoon that the meeting to form the Fresno County Historical Society has been called. Saturday, March 22, a meeting of all who have engaged in this school canvass for the war history is asked.”
The Society resided in several locations over time and eventually settled, with its ever-expanding Archive, in what has become the Kearney Mansion Museum Complex where the organization was instrumental in restoring the nearly forgotten buildings of what once comprised M. Theo Kearney’s great agricultural holdings.
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For more than six decades, these collections were warehoused with little access to the public. Upon its centennial in 2019, the Society embarked on acquiring a suitable location to properly house the Archive so that the public would be able to engage with, learn about, and create their own stories and legacies. The FCCHS purchased a building on the National Register of Historic Places, constructed in 1919 as a Printery for a local newspaper.
This gorgeous edifice, now named The Archive on Kern, will evolve into a Research Facility, Museum, Oral History Studio, Public Gathering space and so much more. Naturally, there is retrofitting to be done. Please note that FCCHS is the ONLY organization in the entire underserved Central Valley accessible to all that is executing on a wide scale the preservation, restoration, digitization and accessibility of these precious resources. An additional pillar to our mission includes capturing the myriads of current stories from multiple viewpoints and languages so those who review our material can gather information from numerous primary sources and develop their own informed conclusions.
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Over the years, the Society’s work has included assembling public and personal documents, photographs, objects, oral histories, family collections, and preparing curriculum for students that highlight the diverse and colorful tapestry that make the San Joaquin Valley the unique place to live that we are so proud to call home.
Just after the 100th year anniversary of the Society, in May of 2020, the FCCHS Archive was greatly expanded by the addition of the complete newspaper morgue of The Fresno Bee.
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This vast assembly of photos, negatives, clip files, and newspapers, as well as a library of hundreds of books, chronicles over a century of local, national, and world moments – from the founding and growth of many Valley communities to every conflict since the Spanish-American war, through 9/11, and beyond. Volumes of The Fresno Morning Republican, which served the region prior to the birth of The Bee in 1922, Vida en el Valle, and other publications are included in this truly unique compilation.
For nearly eleven decades FCCHS has gathered and safe-guarded the records of achievements, momentous and small, including everything from the installation of streetlights in Fresno to the moon landing, to the birth of the World Wide Web. Now, with the acquisition of The Archive on Kern, people across the globe, throughout the U.S., within California, and, most importantly, in the San Joaquin Valley’s own backyard can experience, firsthand, the very Roots of our Valley.
Mission
The Fresno City & County Historical Society provides the community with educational opportunities, important exhibitions, and makes its collections available for study and research. The Society encourages and promotes the preservation and conservation of our community's irreplaceable historical and cultural resources and creates opportunities for the public to engage with our collective past through events, curriculum, and outreach programs throughout the year.
The thing is, we have been doing this work for Fresno County for more than a century, and, with everyone’s support, we will continue for another one hundred years (no, I will not be here to see it for myself, but we have to believe!)
We truly are “Making History Every Day.” There are many ways you can help and now is the time we need it most.
If you are interested in being a part of bringing this community dream to life, The Archive on Kern, please reach out to me personally with your contact information at elaval@valleyhistory.org.
Enjoy springing ahead next weekend and, by the way, the Blossom Trail Ag Tour was outstanding!
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With warmest regards,
Elizabeth Laval
President
Fresno City and County Historical Society
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SAVE THE DATE: MARCH 28th
FCCHS's 1960's Gala Fundraising Event: MANIA!
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On March 28th, let the Fresno City & County Historical Society take you to the 1960s for this year's annual gala fundraising event. Guests will be treated to an experience like no other beginning with dinner and live entertainment at Frank's Place on Fulton Street in Downtown Fresno. You will be greeted with a 60's inspired welcome cocktail before sitting down to a fab meal and some groovy tunes then moving into GREAT SEATS in the Warnors Theatre for a concert with MANIA! The LIVE Beatles Experience. MANIA! takes you on a trip through the 1960s, performing the a note-for-note portrayal of the Beatles greatest hits as the boys from Liverpool at the height of the British Invasion.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Secure Your Tickets Today!
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All proceeds from this evening will directly fund the important work of the Fresno City & County Historical Society. | |
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FCCHS GUIDED TOURS PROGRAM
CONTINUES TO EXPAND
By Candice Calderon, Director of Tourism & Strategic Initiatives
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Great expectations are ahead for tourism at the Society. This past month, the Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau referred farmers from Germany to take a private agricultural tour with the Society that I was honored to lead. These are the types of relationships that we are building throughout the Valley.
Our private and public Ag Tours make a great welcoming opportunity for visitors from all walks of life since we are the "Disney World of Ag" here in Fresno County.
On February 22nd, we also held our public Fields of Fresno Ag Tour that featured the Fresno County Blossom Trail. So many of our own residents have yet to immerse themselves in agricultural sites. Most tour guests are locals and first-timers on our Ag Tours, which are becoming a hallmark brand of Fresno County and should be experienced by all, especially locals.
Our next public Ag Tour is Saturday, April 26th, 2025.
Tickets are available now.
This full-day tour includes a to visit Welker's Custom Cut Lumber, where you will hear from owner, Kristopher Welker, about the connection between agriculture and forestry with examples of sustainable timber and lumber practices.
Then we will head up to the Sequoia National Park in a luxury motorcoach where we will enjoy a 2-hour walking tour to the iconic General Sherman Tree, led by Alexis Newlin, owner of Authentic Adventures Central CA.
Lunch and beverages are included with your ticket.
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Other new developments in our tourism department include Neighborhood Walks. Beginning in May, we plan to relaunch neighborhood walks along Huntington Boulevard, through the Mural District and more led by yours truly.
Tours will occur in the Spring and Fall. So, if you see me walking around the Mural District, Huntington Blvd., Fulton Street, the Golden Westside, and Van Ness area, feel free to give a shout out. Be on the lookout for further announcements as these one-hour Tours will be complimentary for Society members and $10 for non-members.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR HISTORY HAPPY HOUR | |
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History Happy Hour: A SOJOURN OF THOUGHTS AND STORIES WITH JOHN CHO
When: Friday, March 7, 2025
Where: The Archive On Kern
Don’t miss A Sojourn of Thoughts and Stories with John Cho, an intimate evening of poetry, food, and conversation in a setting that promises to inspire and delight.
Bring your friends and join us for this special gathering designed to spark meaningful connections and memorable moments.
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History Happy Hour: MOONLIGHT MAHJONG
When: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Where: The Archive On Kern
Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, and friendly competition at Moonlight Mahjong!
This fascinating fundraising event invites you to learn and play the traditional Hong Kong/Cantonese style of mahjong—just as it was enjoyed by the Chinese immigrants who shaped the Valley’s history and are celebrated in our From China to Fresno exhibit.
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Tickets are limited—don’t wait to reserve your spot! All event tickets include admission and light hors d'oeuvres.
Enjoy no-host drinks from the infamous AOK bar, featuring custom champagne cocktails, wine, beer, and other beverages.
How to Participate
Tickets for all History Happy Hour events are available at valleyhistory.org. For more information, visit our website or contact Cami Cipolla at ccipolla@valleyhistory.org.
Join us as we celebrate the incredible cultural heritage of our Valley and bring the From China to Fresno exhibit to life. Together, we can honor the past while shaping the future.
This event is made possible in part by the City of Fresno Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Fund, administered by the Fresno Arts Council.
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ARCHIVAL SPOTLIGHT
By Cami Cipolla, Director of Educational Services and Community Engagement
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Hello Friends of the Archives, | |
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Do you Mahjong?
Join us for Moonlight Mahjong, a special fundraising event for our From China to Fresno exhibit! This multi-cultural experience offers attendees the chance to learn and play Hong Kong-style Mahjong while exploring the game’s deep cultural significance. We have all heard of Mahjong, and many of us have played a version of it. But where did it come from? What does it mean to Chinese Americans? And how has it evolved over time?
Outwit, Outplay Outlast
Mahjong, a game of skill, strategy, and luck, originated in 19th-century China and has since spread worldwide. Though often compared to the Western card game rummy, Mahjong holds a far greater cultural weight, particularly within Chinese communities. It is traditionally played at family gatherings, festivals, and celebrations, serving as both entertainment and a means of fostering social connection.
But Mahjong is more than just a game; it reflects fundamental Chinese philosophical principles, particularly the balance of Yin and Yang, the interplay of opposites such as light and dark, strength and weakness, and chaos and order.
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Symbolism in the Tiles
Mahjong tiles are more than just game pieces! They are representatives of rich cultural symbolism. The 144 tiles are divided into suits and honor tiles, each with its own meaning:
● Bamboo Suit – Represents resilience, adaptability, and growth.
● Character Suit – Symbolizes virtue, morality, and the importance of human relationships.
● Circle Suit – Represents unity, completeness, and the cycle of life.
● Wind Tiles (East, West, North, South) – Signify changes, challenges, and renewal.
● Dragon Tiles – Deeply rooted in mythology, they symbolize power, joy, and prosperity.
● Flower and Season Tiles – Represent nature’s cyclical rhythm and the passage of time.
The colors on the tiles also carry meaning. Red symbolizes prosperity and good luck, often seen in Chinese New Year celebrations. Green represents sincerity, harmony, and renewal, while white is linked to purity, freedom, and tradition.
Regional Variations & Local Identity
As Mahjong spread across China and beyond, different regions infused the game with their own cultural identity:
● Guangdong (Cantonese) Mahjong – The Red Dragon represents good fortune.
● Shanghai Mahjong – Features local landmarks in its Circle suit.
● Sichuan Mahjong – Known for its fast-paced gameplay and tiles depicting Sichuan opera and cuisine.
● Taiwanese Mahjong – Rich in folklore, featuring mythical creatures and temple motifs.
● Hong Kong Mahjong – Blends traditional Chinese symbolism with the city’s modern skyline.
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ROOTS OF THE VALLEY: Rainbow Ballroom | |
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Over the years, the Rainbow Ballroom has made headlines for many reasons – not the least of which is as a legendary music venue.
Originally constructed in post-World War I Fresno as an indoor swimming pool complex, the Fresno Natatorium was built in 1918 at 1725 I St. (later Broadway), combining Modern and Mission Revival elements. This was a period when indoor swimming “plunges” were all the rage, when men wearing modest bathing costumes demonstrated their prowess on an elaborate multi-tiered “diving apparatus” and “traveling rings,” women participated in synchronized swimming, and everyone sought relief from the intense California Central Valley sun.
It housed a 40 by 100-foot pool with a high dive platform, spring dive boards, trapeze rings over the pool for stunts, 165 dressing rooms, a roof garden and walls of windows to light the three-story building.
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By 1924, the pool had been drained and covered with a maple floor, part of a plush ballroom, replete with sculpture, heavy furniture and a big band stage. It was rechristened the "Rainbow Ballroom." And the music has never stopped.
The Ballroom was an instant hit. Spike Hennessey fronted the house band, The Rainbow Ballroom Orchestra, as ballroom dancing blossomed across the country. Fresno was a good location to snag some bigger names, too (albeit usually mid-week) as they traveled between Southern and Northern California gigs.
Then, tragedy struck in January 1926 as was reported by The Fresno Bee.
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“LOSS IS $32,000 AS FIRE SWEEPS BIG BALL ROOM”
“Workmen today were clearing away debris resulting from a fire which swept through the Rainbow Ballroom, 1725 Broadway, last night with an estimated loss of $32,000. The fire-scarred walls were all that remained of the building today. According to Captain J. L Tufts of the fire prevention bureau. The origin of the fire is undetermined.
“An oil furnace was heating the building. but the furnace, Tuft said, was of a type which could not originate a fire, as it cannot overflow. ‘About all that can be said at the present time is that the origin has not been determined,’ said Tufts. By the time apparatus arrived, the ballroom was a seething mass of flames with sparks and cinders flying hundreds of feet toward the sky. Firemen were hard pressed to save adjoining houses. Operated as a ballroom by Carl Anderson, the building belonged to the Fresno Natatorium Company and was remodeled into a ballroom at a cost of $20,000, according to Anderson.”
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“Instruments Lost”
“Harry F. White, a director of the natatorium company, today placed the loss to the building at $20,000. Anderson declared his loss would run between $8,000 and $10,000 and loss to the musicians, all of whom lost their instruments, $2,000. Fire Chief Baird estimated the entire loss at $20,000.
“While White placed the building loss at $20,000, he declared that it would be impossible to replace it for that sum. One of the musical instruments lost was a piano, owned by Anderson, valued at $1,800. A new gold-plated horn cost $500, while other orchestra instruments were worth from $150 to $300 each. Expensive furniture in the lobby of the ballroom was a total loss.
“The floor was burned, and the embers fell into the swimming tank, which lay below. The fire was first discovered by J. V. Coneckny, 715 Broadway, and an alarm turned into fire headquarters. Shortly after the arrival of fire apparatus, a second alarm was turned in.”
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“Woman Ill, Carried To Safety”
“Homes adjoining the building, owned by Jarvis Streeter and S. D. Naman, were smoking when the apparatus arrived, but firemen saved them. Mrs. Streeter, confined to her bed with influenza, was removed by firemen to a neighbor's house until her own home was out of danger.
“The furnace was lighted last night by Anderson in order to have the building warm for a rehearsal of the Padre of the Rains pageant, scheduled for the Rainbow tonight, and which will now be held in the Fresno Auditorium. While fighting the fire, Glen Bisel, 23, of 150 Thesta Street, a fireman, was slightly burned on the legs and arms.”
| Joyously, the fan-favorite facility returned with a flourish, just eight months later. | |
“New Rainbow Ballroom Opens Tonight!”
“Strikingly Different, Unique, Unusual, Luxurious--The New Rainbow-- One of the Finest on the Pacific Coast”
"The Contractors, Whose Ads Appear on This Page, May Well Be Congratulated for ‘It’s a Good Artistic Job Well Done’"
"The Beautiful New Rainbow Ballroom One of the finest on the Pacific Coast, will offer the citizens of the San Joaquin Valley a sparkling clean and refreshing Dance Hall. Thousands of dollars were invested in the remodeling of this striking dance palace and one of the most vital points was the selection of a Class A Roof, the kind that won't leak. A roof that will protect the beautiful floor and costly furnishings. Fresno's Most Popular Roofer Took Care of ‘That’ Part C. E. McMullen Company”
“It's Fairyland”
“Vivid, Dazzling, Awe-Inspiring. A new realm. Magic Melodies, Magic Coloring, Magic Moments that make for Magic Hours. This Evening All Fresno and surrounding county will be crowding to the new Rainbow eager to share in the festivities. Eager to enjoy Fresno's tremendous welcome to the finest ballroom on the Pacific Coast.
“And such dance music! "Spike" Hennessy's Rainbow Orchestra, an extraordinary group of musicians, will thrill Fresno's greatest dance audience with their splendid art of harmony and rhythm.
“Four Big Opening Nights Sept. 22, 23, 24, 25”
“The New Rainbow Congratulations! The New Rainbow is most modernly furnished throughout and those persons who revel in the Art of “Terpsichore will be amazed at the luxurious color schemes. The Carpeting was selected from special unusual patterns carried by us, and laid by our staff of floor covering experts. Williams & Sons FURNITURE. D. A. Williams--Lou Williams--Walter Williams 1135 BROADWAY”
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“The New Rainbow IS EQUIPPED WITH THE BEST MAPLE FLOOR IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY”
“Light, resilient and full of life yet sturdy enough to carry the weight of thousands of dancers. THIS FLOOR WAS FURNISHED BY THE Harris-Pendergrass Co. 719 T STREET (T and Angus Sts.) PHONE 6542”
“Electrical Installation of the NEW RAINBOW BALLROOM By the Electric Construction Company L. G. Jeffrey, Mgr. Phone 213.”
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In 1939, the ballroom was at the center of a local controversy when the dance hall owner forbade jitterbugging because it was “dangerous.” City Hall overruled his ban. Musician and band leader Wally Johnson ran it from the 1930s to the '60s, hosting Glenn Miller, Harry James, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington, who recorded his popular "Skin Deep" there in 1952.
During World War II, Fresno was a military city, with troops at Hammer Field and Camp Pinedale. Romances blossomed in the ballroom, where sometimes 1,000 couples danced into the night.
And then there was rock and roll. Janis Joplin played here twice in 1968. Tickets cost $2.50. Santana took the stage later in the year, and Fleetwood Mac early in 1969. During the same period, a plethora of local rock bands cut their teeth playing the Rainbow Ballroom.
And it may just be that the spirit of the Fresno Natatorium lives on beneath the well-used floorboards. Truly, the phrase “if only the walls could talk…” has never been more appropriate than at the century-plus years old Rainbow!
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FCCHS WELCOMES NEW ARCHIVIST TO OUR TEAM | |
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A born and raised Fresno local, Donald Spencer graduated from Fresno High School before continuing at Fresno City College. Initially, he intended to start a career in art, with aspirations of becoming a comic book penciler. However, his passion for history quickly developed, sparking love for the discipline and the ambition to preserve those vital artifacts that inform us of our own origins.
Soon there after, this passion led him to transfer to Fresno Pacific University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. For several years after his undergraduate program, he worked as a tour guide at a local historical landmark.
Yet, the 2020 shutdowns necessitated a drastic shift in his educational and personal life. He seized this opportunity to take a risk and pursued a postgraduate degree abroad. Donald attended the University of Glasgow in Scotland, receiving a Master of Science in Ancient Cultures, returning to Fresno in 2024. In February 2025 he joined the staff of the Fresno City & County Historical Society as an Archivist.
Of his role, Donald said, "I am now engaging with the community and working my dream job as the Archivist. As I settle into this role, I look forward to making a meaningful impact on our community by preserving our rich local history."
Donald, also partakes in a great number of historical hobbies in his free time such as Belegarth Medieval Combat Society.
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MAKING HISTORY EVERY DAY:
Marjaree Mason Center holds anticipated ribbon cutting for $21M Isnardi Foundation Center
By Ben Hensley, February 26, 2025, reprinted from The Business Journal
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The Marjaree Mason Center celebrated the long anticipated grand opening of its new 37,680 square-foot Isnardi Foundation Building on Wednesday.
The facility in Northwest Fresno at Bullard and Del Mar avenues will serve survivors of domestic violence in Fresno County.
The project — a $21 million undertaking that will see the capacity of the shelter double — was funded largely thanks to community and corporate donors. The center received a $3 million donation from the Isnardi Foundation in December 2023, securing the naming rights of the new building.
Several hundred people were in attendance at Wednesday’s event, which saw representatives from the City of Fresno and Fresno County Board of Supervisors, as well as campaign donors, project and community partners and construction partners.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer spoke at the event, thanking sponsors, donors and supporters. He also praised Marjaree Mason Center CEO Nicole Linder for her dedication to the project.
“This is definitely an incredible milestone in the ongoing fight against domestic violence in our community,” said Dyer, who served on the Marjaree Mason Center’s board of directors for ten years. “Domestic violence is one of the very reasons that I got into law enforcement – because of the desire to protect women, children and our seniors who oftentimes get taken advantage of in our community.”
Last year, more than 7,800 domestic violence reports were taken by the Fresno Police Department, according to Dyer, with 60% of the victims under the age of 34 and 12% under 18.
Members of the Mason family were also in attendance on Wednesday, echoing the thanks from city officials and specifically thanking the employees at the Marjaree Mason Center.
The center was named for Marjaree Mason, who at age 36 in 1978 was murdered by an ex-boyfriend. The center was born in 1979 to fight domestic violence.
“It’s not going to leave until we step up and assist the problem, and that’s what this building is all about,” said Alfred Mason, the younger brother of Marjaree Mason.
The building took significant time to remodel and modernize, being transformed into a physically and emotionally safe space. The center houses a 24/7 trauma-informed crisis drop-in center, non-residential survivor services, including a 24/7 hotline, individual counseling and group therapy, legal advocacy, children’s services and prevention and early intervention efforts.
The Marjaree Mason Center serves over 8,000 victims annually as the county’s only dedicated domestic violence assistance provider.
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SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY TOWN HALL CORNER
Daytime Speaker Series
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March 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM WILLIAM SAROYAN THEATRE | | |
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Michael McFaul
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Stanford Professor, and Consultant
“Navigating Troubled Times”
Gain insights from Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, esteemed professor, and acclaimed author, as he unpacks the complexities of international affairs and the evolving relationship between the United States, Russia, and China. Join us for a truly unique opportunity to delve into global dynamics, great power relations, and democracy. With McFaul’s expertise, navigate today’s complex geopolitical landscape with confidence.
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