Why it matters:
The move to open warming centers across the city comes as the Fresno area has had an unexpectedly colder winter so far.
Update: Fresno city officials have made modified locations and hours for warming centers in Fresno. The latest updates on warming centers are available here.
The Fresno City Council approved a proposal Thursday to keep four warming centers open, every night, until the end of January.
The Pinedale, Mosqueda, Ted C. Wills and Maxie L. Parks community centers would be open every day from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m.
Although councilmembers unanimously approved the resolution 6-0, Mayor Jerry Dyer would have to sign it before it goes into effect.
At warming centers, staff have been handing out bottled water and blankets which community members are allowed to keep. The centers also provide sleeping cots and cages for pets, as necessary.
Those headed to a warming center can get a free ride on Fresno Area Express (FAX) buses if they tell the bus driver. After leaving a warming center in the morning, they can also get a free return trip as long as they tell the driver, said Gregory Barfield, assistant city manager.
Bus riders are allowed to take anything they can carry with them, including a foldable cart and their pets, as long as they are on a leash, Barfield said.
FAX buses will not be in service on Christmas Day, but will run a regular schedule on New Year’s Eve.
The move to open warming centers across the city comes as the Fresno area has had an unexpectedly colder winter so far.
Near-freezing temperatures in Fresno are below the normal temperatures expected for this time of year, said Jim Bagnall, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Here are the addresses to the four warming centers:
- Pinedale Community Center: 7170 N San Pablo Ave, Pinedale, CA 93650
- Mosqueda Community Center: 4670 E Butler Ave, Fresno, CA 93702
- Ted C Wills Community Center: 770 N San Pablo Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
- Maxie L. Parks Community Center: 1802 E California Ave, Fresno, CA 93706