audio postcard

It’s time for the Weekend, and we’re taking you straight up Highway 180 to the Giant Sequoia National Monument. There’s the Kings River, and the beautiful trees that give the monument its namesake. But there are also caves up here, lots of them. While most aren’t easily accessible, one cave just reopened to the public - Boyden Cavern.

People have been touring it for over a hundred years now, ever since J. Putnam Boyden found it in 1906.

It’s clear that some non-profits, also called community benefit organizations, can really change a place through advocacy and education. However, keeping those organizations going is often dependent on gifts, grants, and fundraising.

Fresno State’s Humanics Program teaches students about philanthropy, leadership and how to run a CBO. Yesterday was the annual Students4Giving presentation -- students awarded three $5,000 grants to CBOs in the Central Valley.

We're introducing an occasional series called Mind the Gap, where we ask people at least 60 years apart in age for their take on topics both personal and political. For our first Mind the Gap, you’ll meet Raymart Catacuton. He’s 18, attends Fresno City College and works at a thrift store in the Tower District. And you’ll hear from Rose Marie Carillo. She’s almost 80, and she’s very active in her church where her husband of 59 years was the pastor. She says it's been tough since he died, back in September. One way she passes the time is to shop in the same thrift store where Raymart works.

We’re going to hear from a few San Joaquin Valley residents about how they celebrate Thanksgiving. Like most families, it’s a time for them to gather, cook, and the menu usually includes the expected turkey and mashed potatoes. But they also incorporate other cultures into their gatherings.

You can hear the five stories by listening above. Below is a bit about each person's story.

In honor of Veterans Day, we went to the Veterans Home of California in Fresno to hear stories from residents. We spoke to three vets about their experiences in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Listen to the audio above hear an audio postcard from Fresno veterans Jim Appleton, Elsa Barry and Gordon Scott.

During the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead,) people remember loved ones who have died. Traditionally, they honor the deceased with altars featuring sugar skulls, marigold flowers, photos and their favorite foods and drinks. This month, Arte Americas, in downtown Fresno, is exhibiting altars in memory of local residents and Latino icons.