Fresno Famous

If Fresno was a living organism, downtown would be its heart. It would be full of life—contracting and expanding with people.  The main arteries, the 99, 41, and 180, are all in good working order despite the suburban fat growing on the outer parts of town. Fresnans represent the blood of this fine city. They drive to and fro and reach every outlying extremity. But if Fresno really was a living organism, it would be the first of its kind to live with so much blood avoiding its heart.

Many people say there is nothing to do downtown. That is debatable depending on taste, but if we want more variety, someone in this city has to make the first move. Businesses depend upon people in order to stay in operation; people depend on businesses to draw them downtown. That being said, it takes a lot less effort for Fresnans to enjoy themselves at places like Karma or Mezcal than it does for new businesses to open.  Let us reclaim our downtown and turn it into the urban hot spot that we want. It is up to us, the people of Fresno, to make the first move. Let us show entrepreneurs that if they build it, we will come.

It is shocking how many times people say things like “Don’t go downtown! You’ll get mugged, it’s not safe!”  This is simply a misconception. Statistically speaking downtown has some of the lowest crime rates in the city. We must get over this stereotype. Let’s not be naïve; let’s be practical. Downtown is a great place; it just needs a little love.

As the 5th largest city in this great state, I say Fresno needs to rise up and make our downtown a place we can all enjoy. It’s time to bring the blood back to downtown’s heart.

Courtney Perry