Fresno Famous

A great city needs a great downtown. Some may disagree, arguing that Fresno has wonderful areas to shop and dine; River Park and the Fashion Fair mall to name a few. Yet, what these areas lack is a unique atmosphere that combines great shopping with entertainment, nightlife, and dining. Throughout California, replicas of our River Park can be found everywhere and most cities contain malls much like our own. It is the downtown that usually brings in tourism and makes the locals proud. Santa Monica’s 3rd street promenade and San Diego’s Gaslamp District are both examples of attractions that help generate income for their cities.
The city of Fresno is spread out; lacking a strong downtown that hurts our city. Fresnans are spending their hard earned money in large corporations and chain restaurants, instead of locally owned businesses. Those who have yet to uncover hidden treasures tucked away downtown, begin exploring the history of our city and the immigrants who built it. Next time, instead of choosing that national chain restaurant, step into the Basque Hotel for a drink and experience the old world charm or cheer for a football game at the newly opened Hero’s Sports Bar. Those who venture downtown will not be disappointed, there is a close-knit community filled with individuals offering products and services just waiting to be discovered. Best of all, these are local owners who have dedicated their businesses to the people of Fresno. These are our neighbors, families, and friends who only ask that we bring our business to support those who make up the city of Fresnos. These are well-deserved requests that desperately need to be met, because it is the right thing to do.
Downtowns are supposed to be unique. They are supposed to reflect their city and its residents. Now I ask, does our downtown reflect Fresno? Is this how we want to be represented? People can continue throwing money at downtown with tax dollars and through revitalization projects, but if our own patrons continue to refuse to spend their money and bring traffic to the streets, the efforts will be in vain.