Fresno Famous

Another week, another user.
This week Famous gets some love from theValleyisforLovers.

Who are you? Name/age/occupation/location/etc.

My real name is Danielle Thiesen. Most know me as Dani (pronounced Donnie). I am 22. I am an urban planner. I have been in Kingsburg for a few months but am in the process of relocating to either downtown or the Tower District.

How long have you been a Famous user? First Famous memory?

I have been an active FF user for about a year now. My first FF memory was definitely when I wrote my first blog about homelessness downtown. I remember sitting with my family in my living room reading all of the threads and getting input on how to write eloquently so that people couldn't guess I was still a kid in college.

How's Famous play into your every day life?

I love to use the site to keep up on all of the gossip about local politics. Fresno Famous is like "Us Weekly" for us Valley folks. Some of the titles for people's blogs would make fantastic headlines for those types of magazines. My current favorite is "Trumped." Additionally, it is a huge part of my job to be aware of public opinion on issues concerning development in Fresno. FF is the perfect forum for that.

You have a friend coming in from out of town. They want to see the big city of Fresno. Give us a quick travelogue.

First things first — I love to eat! So we would go to Thaiphoon if we were in the mood for Thai, La Torta if we felt like Mexican, or Samba for some good BBQ and of course those fantastic caipriinhas. And then, on to Veni Vedi Vici for drinks, or Koffeeheads for a good mocha (Editor's note: We know Koffeeheads is closed). Next — a stroll through the Fulton Mall and then possibly to Broadway Studios for Art Hop to stop the perpetuating claims from the non-valley residents that we lack culture and good design/architecture in Fresno. I believe I convinced quite a few people in college that Fresno really is underrated in California. Finally, on the last morning of my friend's trip, I would take them on a nice bike ride through the blossom trail and up into the foothills. I know we are venturing beyond the city at this point — but how could you come to Fresno and not enjoy the fantastic scenery around the periphery of the city?

Trivia: Any interesting factoids to share?

Factoid: The key to a successful downtown is density. In every sense of the word. We've got the energy in Fresno. It just needs to be focused.

A final thought: Is the Valley really for lovers?

(Long Answer) Oh, most definitely yes. For all types of lovers. Lovers of art, lovers of architecture, lovers of country music (and indie too), lovers of excitement. That last statement might sound a little over the top, but Fresno truly is brimming with opportunity and potential, and I think that makes it the most exciting place to live. And really, the Valley is for lovers of a challenge — to make this region exceed its potential. I mean, love is hopeful, right?

(Short Answer) If Virginia is, then why on earth can't we be as well?