Masons of California

Last month, San Diego Masons and representatives from the California Masonic Foundation joined teachers, staff, and parents at Dewey Elementary School for a heartwarming #PublicSchools celebration. Since 2011, Masons have provided essential resources, including books, classroom rugs, and health office supplies, helping the school address needs that arise from its unique challenges. Notably, Dewey does not have a Parent-Teacher Association or foundation due to the transient nature of its student population, which makes the Masons' support even more impactful. Recognized as a #PurpleStarSchool with an 85 percent military-dependent student body, Dewey George Elementary is dedicated to fostering a sense of stability and belonging for its students. During the celebration, Doug Ismail, president and CEO of the California Masonic Foundation, highlighted the Masons' deep commitment to public education. “We don’t believe there’s a more important issue in our society than providing education for all,” he said. #MasonsofCA #SupportOurSchools #CommunityImpact #DeweyElementary

The Masons of California are proud to support the Raising a Reader program, bringing the joy of reading to schools like Creekside Elementary in #MorenoValley. In a heartfelt video produced by Moreno Valley Unified School District, we hear firsthand how this program has transformed the community. By fostering a love of literacy and empowering families to engage in their children’s education, the impact has been truly remarkable. This is just one of the many ways Masons continue to strengthen communities and invest in the future of young minds. Together, we’re building a brighter tomorrow. #MasonsofCA #MakingADifference #CommunityImpact #EducationMatters

Here’s your weekly reminder to do good in this world. This week, we received an inspiring message from a member of Clarence F. Daylight Lodge No. 866 in Van Nuys, CA. The lodge was recognized by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education with a Certificate of Recognition for their incredible support of students experiencing homelessness. Through fundraisers, donations of school supplies, and hygiene kits, these Freemasons have made a lasting impact on countless young lives. The certificate, signed by Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson, honors their "tireless commitment" to supporting the district’s Homeless Education Office. Stories like this remind us of the power of collective effort and our commitment to supporting our communities. Freemasons like the members of Clarence F. Daylight lodge are changing lives and showing what it means to lead with heart. Let’s celebrate their achievement and keep working toward a brighter future for all. #MasonsofCA #Freemasonry #CommunityService #EducationMatters

Get to know our newly installed Grand Master, Arthur L. Salazar, in our newest member profile video. Hear about his vision for the future of #Freemasonry in California, learn about his goals for enhancing the Masonic experience, and explore how he plans to guide the Grand Lodge of California through its next chapter. #MasonsofCA #AnnComm24 #Freemason #GrandMaster #ImAMason

The new Citrus Heights Health Center at the Masonic Homes of California in Covina has just earned not one but two prestigious awards in architectural design! 🏆 This month, Senior Housing News honored Citrus Heights in its Skilled Nursing and Post-Acute Care category. Additionally, the International Interior Design Association awarded the center its #Healthcare Design Award. These accolades reflect the thoughtful design and dedication behind this incredible facility. A heartfelt thank you to the Masons and lodges whose fundraising efforts and vision made this project possible. With the Citrus Heights Health Center, Masons and their families now have access to skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care—all within the Masonic Homes campus. #MasonsofCA #Freemasonry #SeniorCare #HealthcareDesign #MasonicHomes #SkilledNursing #Rehabilitation #MemoryCare #Masons #ArchitecturalAwards #SeniorLiving

We are thrilled to introduce Arthur L. Salazar as the newly installed Grand Master of the Masons of California, and the first #Hispanic Grand Master in our fraternity’s 175-year history here in California. Grand Master Salazar brings a wealth of experience and his theme to #Inspire reflects a profound dedication to building connections, fostering leadership, and strengthening the bonds within our Masonic community and beyond. Please join us in welcoming Grand Master Salazar! We look forward to the impact his leadership will have on our fraternity and to the exciting future he will help shape. #MasonsofCA #GrandMaster #Leadership #MasonicHistory #InclusiveLeadership #Fraternity

Can respectful debate be taught in today’s polarized world? This insightful article dives into how teaching students to engage in structured debates can cultivate not only critical thinking but also a deep sense of #civility—both crucial skills for navigating modern society. These lessons in respectful discourse mirror the values central to #Freemasonry, where fostering harmony, understanding, and thoughtful dialogue is key to building stronger communities. By promoting these principles, we empower the next generation to lead with empathy, respect, and wisdom. Read the full article to explore how debate education supports these ideals: https://lnkd.in/gihzE6Zs #MasonsofCA #Freemasons #Brotherhood #Civility #CriticalThinking #Education #RespectfulDebate #Harmony #Leadership #CommunityValues

Last week, Douglas Ismail, President of the California Masonic Foundation, was recently featured on Capitol Radio's Insight program. Along with Michelle Torgerson, President & CEO of Raising a Reader, they discussed an important new initiative aimed at supporting Farsi-speaking students in the Washington Unified School District. This book collection effort provides new English-Farsi books to Afghan #refugee students, helping them strengthen their literacy skills as they settle into their new community. The #Sacramento region has welcomed many refugees in recent years, especially from Afghanistan, and this project is a wonderful example of how we can come together to make a meaningful impact. Listen to the full interview to learn more about how this initiative is empowering students and fostering growth in the local Afghan community: https://lnkd.in/gRXvce5P #CommunitySupport #RefugeeEducation #CaliforniaMasons #RaisingAReader #AfghanRefugees #LiteracyMatters #GivingBack

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and most fascinating fraternal organizations, yet its true purpose is often overshadowed by all sorts of misconceptions. But for those who join, the reasons are deeply personal and meaningful. As explored in the Slate article, the heart of Freemasonry lies in values that transcend the rumors: fellowship, self-improvement, and a commitment to helping others. In an era where connection and purpose are more important than ever, Freemasonry offers both in abundance.   Read more in this article from Slate: https://lnkd.in/gwejEgPP    #MasonsofCA #Freemasonry #Fellowship #PersonalGrowth #CommunityService #Freemason

The Masons of California are proud to announce that, through their longstanding partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, they have raised $75,757 this season for youth development programs. Since its inception in 2009, the #Masons4Mitts initiative has donated over $2.3 million through MLB community foundations, providing more than 115,000 leather baseball mitts to young athletes across the state. In support of the Dodgers Dreamteam, the Masons have contributed $526,000 and over 26,300 mitts to youth players in #LosAngeles since 2015. This ongoing effort gives children in youth leagues access to safe play, while also teaching valuable life skills like teamwork, healthy living, and productive study habits. To mark this significant milestone, the Dodgers Foundation recognized the Masons of California during a special pregame ceremony last week, where a check was presented on the field to support the Dodgers Dreamteam program. We want to thank all our team captains, supporters, Masons Night attendees, and friends for another successful Masons4Mitts season. Together, we are empowering the next generation through teamwork, health, and education. #MasonsofCA #CommunityImpact #DodgersFoundation #YouthDevelopment #CaliforniaFreemasons #Teamwork