Zócalo Public Square

06/12/2026

Live from Arte Américas in Fresno, CA: Affordable housing developer Betsy McGovern-Garcia, Fresno County Public Health Director Joe Prado, and “Shaan Punjab Di” radio host and City of Fresno planning commissioner Gurdeep Shergill discuss how leaders in Fresno are harnessing changes to transform their region for the better. This program is moderated by “Fresnoland” founder and editor-in-chief Danielle Bergstrom.

Co-presented by Zócalo Public Square, Fresnoland, and Arte Américas, with generous support from The James B. McClatchy Foundation, Central Valley Community Foundation, and The James Irvine Foundation, with media partner KVPR

This program is part of California 175 — What Connects California?, a suite of free Zócalo events and essays, bringing together leaders and thinkers from all walks of life to envision California’s next 175 years.

For live English captioning, please turn on the video’s caption feature.

Visit https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/ to read our articles and learn about upcoming events.

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06/11/2026

Next time you're making the drive from L.A. to the Bay, turn off the 5 and stop by Fresno. The city's former poet laureate Joseph Rios writes about the literary landscape of his hometown. https://zps.la/4xgqSQ5

Plus, join us tonight (in person or online) at 7 PM PDT at Arte Américas in Fresno for “How Does the Central Valley Harness Its Power?,” a conversation and reception featuring regional leaders seeking solutions for a changing Central Valley: https://zps.la/centralvalley

I’ve driven by a few times is the most common response I get when I tell folks I’m from Fresno. I can imagine them on the 5, headed to the Bay or L.A.,

06/09/2026

Gurdeep Singh Shergill () is a community leader in Fresno. He serves as an educator, realtor, radio host on Desh Punjab Radio FM 94.3, and Fresno planning commissioner. 

He joins Zócalo Public Square, , and on Thursday, June 11, at 7 p.m. for “How Does the Central Valley Harness Its Power?” This conversation, part of Arte América’s “Arte, Pero Later” evening hours will be followed by a reception with complimentary food and drink from .jabalito and ice cream from . Register for free to attend in person or online at the .

06/09/2026

Joe Prado is director of the Department of Public Health. He collaborates with transportation agencies, school districts, social services, community organizations, healthcare providers and behavioral health partners.

He joins Zócalo Public Square, , and on Thursday, June 11, at 7 p.m. for “How Does the Central Valley Harness Its Power?” This conversation, part of Arte América’s “Arte, Pero Later” evening hours will be followed by a reception with complimentary food and drink from .jabalito and ice cream from . Register for free to attend in person or online at the .

06/09/2026

Betsy McGovern-Garcia has more than 20 years of experience in affordable housing development and nonprofit management. She serves as vice president of .

She joins Zócalo Public Square, , and on Thursday, June 11, at 7 p.m. for “How Does the Central Valley Harness Its Power?” This conversation, part of Arte América’s “Arte, Pero Later” evening hours will be followed by a reception with complimentary food and drink from .jabalito and ice cream from . Register for free to attend in person or online at the .

06/09/2026

It’s go time for soccer players and fans as the World Cup kicks off this week in Mexico City.

Scholars Jose Alamillo and José Luis Collazo Jr. tell the story of the 1970s Los Angeles Aztecs, which reflects the ways U.S. soccer has sidelined Latinos. Will this year’s cup change anything?

From the 1970s-era L.A. Aztecs to the 2026 World Cup, the Game Too Often Sidelines Those Who Built It

06/08/2026

Danielle Bergstrom is a journalist and founder of Fresnoland, an award-winning nonprofit investigative and explanatory newsroom covering Fresno and Madera counties. Her reporting focuses on housing, water, development, and inequality.

She joins Zócalo Public Square, , and on Thursday, June 11, at 7 p.m. for “How Does the Central Valley Harness Its Power?” This conversation, part of Arte América’s “Arte, Pero Later” evening hours will be followed by a reception with complimentary food and drink from .jabalito and ice cream from . Register for free to attend in person or online at the .

06/06/2026

Join Zócalo and Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Friday, July 10 at 7 p.m. at Academy Museum in Los Angeles, where we’ll explore the question “How Does the Silver Screen Shape the Golden State?”

This event will feature a conversation on the industry, imagination, and influence of California film, followed by a screening of “Friday,” the '90s buddy comedy starring Ice Cube (who also co-wrote it) and Chris Tucker. A commercial success and tribute to South Central L.A.'s community, humor, and everyday struggles, the film spawned pop culture catchphrases like “Bye, Felicia,” and continues to inspire homages to its themes and storyline.

Register here: https://zps.la/academy

Part of Zócalo’s “California 175—What Connects California?” series, a suite of free Zócalo events and essays, bringing together leaders and thinkers from all walks of life to envision California’s next 175 years.

06/05/2026

It is more than a year into Trump's immigration enforcement push, and tens of thousands of people are imprisoned with no rights. It’s worse than prison, report sociologists Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo and Michael A. Messner, who visited an ICE detention facility in New Mexico. Read their firsthand account:

Uncertainty. Fear. Boredom. Time in These Facilities Is Worse Than Prison

06/05/2026

This past Sunday, Zócalo hosted a guided bus tour that carried guests across Wilshire Boulevard, from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica.

Led by “Wilshire Boulevard: Grand Concourse of Los Angeles” author Kevin Roderick and L.A. Metro archivist Claire Kennedy, the six-hour, 16-mile tour offered a vivid reminder of the pivotal role Wilshire Boulevard has played in this city’s past, present, and future—especially when it comes to transit.

Read all about it here and check out more photos: https://zps.la/bustour

Part of Zócalo’s “California 175—What Connects California?” series, with generous support from Karsh Family Foundation, in partnership with The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.