Amazing experience summiting Mount Whitney via the Mountaineers Route with Sierra Mountaineering…read moreInternational! Kurt was an exceptional guide- knowledgeable, professional, and fun to climb with. He made the entire experience feel safe and well-supported while also teaching us new skills along the way. Highly recommend SMI.

Horrific and Traumatizing Experience with SMLGuides - Guide Kurt…read more I recently participated in a guided Mt. Whitney hike with SMLGuides, and it was, without question, one of the most distressing and disappointing trail experiences of my life. What should have been an empowering and memorable climb instead became an experience marked by poor leadership, lack of professionalism, emotional distress, and equipment negligence. To begin with, the backpack I rented from Kurt was completely inappropriate--it was a men's backpack, not sized or fitted for me, and it caused immediate and ongoing issues throughout the hike. I had to stop repeatedly to make adjustments, relying on another guide, Ben, to help me manage the situation. These delays were not due to my fitness or preparedness but solely due to being provided improper gear. Supplying correctly fitted equipment is a basic responsibility of any guiding service, and this failure directly impacted my hike. What followed at the trailhead was even more troubling. After arriving with excitement and anticipation, I was subjected to an invasive and humiliating experience when Kurt went through each of my personal belongings from the rental backpack--handling and examining items that were clearly private--before abruptly tossing the bag into the van. This behavior was unnecessary, intrusive, and deeply uncomfortable, and it immediately set a tone of disrespect and intimidation. Despite my clear and repeated communication--both prior to the hike and in person--about my extensive hiking background, including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, completing Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, finishing the Triple Crown Hike in Virginia, and numerous Appalachian Trail hikes, Kurt continuously questioned my ability in a way that was demeaning and demoralizing. This was not constructive guidance; it was discouraging and dismissive. Rather than offering solutions, encouragement, or leadership, Kurt repeatedly suggested that I should quit. At no point did he attempt to properly address the gear issue or support me in continuing. I felt pressured, unsupported, and frankly treated as an inconvenience. It genuinely felt as though he had his own agenda and was eager to drop hikers rather than guide them. Ultimately, I turned back--not because I lacked the physical capability to summit, but because my equipment failed me and my guide failed me. The mountain did not defeat me--the leadership did. This experience stands in stark contrast to my Rim-to-Rim hike, where teammates stayed with me, encouraged me, and supported me through challenges. That is what real leadership and camaraderie look like. That is what hikers deserve--especially on a trail as demanding as Mt. Whitney. Additionally, we were informed there would be four guides, yet only three were present. There was no explanation provided. In contrast to Kurt's behavior, Ben was kind, patient, and genuinely helpful, doing his best to assist me with the oversized backpack and offering the support that was otherwise missing. I left this experience emotionally drained, shaken, and traumatized. I was forced to turn around under circumstances that could and should have been prevented with proper gear, professionalism, and support. Given that I could not complete the hike due to these failures, I am requesting a full refund. I sincerely hope SMLGuides takes this feedback seriously. No hiker should ever be made to feel disrespected, intimidated, or abandoned on a guided expedition. Future participants deserve competent leadership, properly fitted equipment, transparency, and basic human decency.

I'm really surprised how few people take advantage Of Doula Services. This service was amazing for…read moremy wife and I. I had no idea what was going on and literally didn't know how to support my wife during her pregnancy other then rushing to get her food and paying bills. Breyonna was very informative and sweet I felt so much better as a man supporting my wife through all of this. So confident I might have another! Lol not really I really miss getting sleep. Reasonably priced, Worth the money, and the time.

From the owner: Maya Bee's is a Birth and Postpartum Doula business supporting mothers and families. Maya Bee's…read moreaims to create safe spaces for mothers to share their concerns and wishes about their pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. Maya Bee's was founded to take a holistic approach toward pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period within Fresno’s diverse population to promote healthy outcomes for mom and baby through informational, emotional, and physical support.

I contacted a few lactation consultants in the beginning of 2025. Colleen got back to me and I felt…read moremost comfortable with her. She came to our home and made us feel so comfortable asking questions and addressing my concerns around my baby latching properly. After the initial visit I had follow up obstacles that she always made time to answer with care and knowledge. I would highly recommend her to any mother looking for lactation advice or doula services! She was wonderful!!

This was my third birth and my first home birth, and the care I received from Coleen was truly…read moreamazing. Compared to my previous hospital births, the difference was night and day. She made me feel safe, heard, and fully supported in every decision. During pushing, her calm coaching helped me through the toughest moments. Her postpartum care was just as exceptional -- she made sure both my baby and I were doing well, helped with breastfeeding and offered support and reassurance during the early days of recovery. I never felt rushed or overlooked. I'm so grateful for her and wish I had this level of care with my earlier births!

I can't say enough good things about Fresno Ideaworks. From the moment I walked in, everyone was…read morefriendly, welcoming, and excited to share their knowledge. I've taken classes in stained glass and woodworking, and both were informative, inspiring, and fun. Becoming a member has been one of the best decisions -- it's such a positive and creative community to be part of.

This is a must stop on the art hop. It is not a traditional gallery but more of a Community center…read more I was greeted by the president, Scott on my way in and it was nice enough to introduce himself. The concept he explained to me is the following. Think of it as a gym membership but for art. You pay a monthly fee, come up with what you want to learn and bring your materials. There are great teachers to guide you and certify you at just about anything. They have a glass blowing, clay, woodwork and even a 3D printer. It was impressive that everyone we met there somehow chips in to help with the training of your art production of choice and once you are certified, you are able to use the machines with minimal supervision. A stellar idea and my wife will be checking out their classes soon