Fresno Famous

Honesty check: being a born and raised native of Monterey, I have carried a plethora of negative preconceived notions and biases towards all things Fresno.  However, this New Year I have challenged myself to explore downtown Fresno and see for myself what it truly has to offer.  Two months ago, the thought of venturing into the heart of downtown had me conjuring thoughts of either heading into the Bakara Market of Mogadishu or a ghost town in a post apocalyptic world. (Not literally, but you get the idea.) What I found was a much safer and livelier place than most are led to believe.  I found a place filled with both proprietors and customers alike holding heartfelt passions for revitalization in downtown Fresno.  From the workers at Teazer World Tea Market, to the owner of Brick Restaurant, to the managers of the Pacific Southwest building, to the innovative and inspired artists at Art Hop, the desire to see a bustling downtown flows passionately through their veins.  Most would agree the true desire and passion for constructive change is the first step to revitalizing an area.  This could not be any more prevalent within the local downtown community.  I am privileged to be a witness to the early stages of a promising revitalization effort that is, without a doubt, in the right hands.