Gisselle Medina

1 week ago | fresnoland.org | Gisselle Medina

Overview: More than 50 community members came together to listen, learn, and advocate for change, as local experts shared insights on affordable housing, economic mobility and education. Black community leaders gathered at City Hall on Tuesday evening to address the systemic barriers Black families face in the central San Joaquin Valley — and to push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, as national attacks against DEI gain traction.

2 weeks ago | fresnoland.org | Gisselle Medina

What's at stake: Valley Crescent School remains in limbo with no set date for a decision on its expansion proposal, after neighbors raised concerns about traffic and noise tied to the school. Monica Candal Rahim was thrilled last year when her two children were accepted into Valley Crescent School in Clovis. As the only private Islamic school in the central San Joaquin Valley, enrollment at Valley Crescent is competitive and the waiting list is long.

3 weeks ago | fresnoland.org | Gisselle Medina

What's at stake: A recent executive order from Trump aims to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the only federal agency dedicated to funding and supporting museums, libraries, and educational institutions, potentially ending the Arte Américas’ fellowship funding altogether.

1 month ago | fresnoland.org | Gisselle Medina

Overview: “It’s difficult knowing that some are fasting without the luxury of a meal at the end of the day—without proper food, housing, or security.” For many Muslims in Fresno, Ramadan serves as a spiritual reset—a time for deep personal reflection and discipline. This can mean abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, limiting distractions like social media, or practicing greater patience in daily interactions.

1 month ago | fresnoland.org | Gisselle Medina

What's at stake: Amid efforts by the Trump administration to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, including bans on gender-affirming care for trans youth, an LGBTQ+ medical center will offer services in Fresno and the Central Valley. At 19, Alejandro Sanchez moved from Mendota to Fresno to begin his medical transition, seeking healthcare resources his hometown lacked.  In Fresno, he said he cycled through multiple doctors in pursuit of gender-affirming care but instead faced neglect.