Fresno Famous

Aaron Copland and his theme 'Fanfare for a common man' is the tune for today.

The snap used is of but one sort of City of Fresno vehicle that has been spotted on Calaveras and in the neighborhood of late. It could well have been from any number of departments that have paid a visit to the road to correct problems here. The one featured is from Parking Services, a much needed enforcement on the road and in the community.

Many of the public employees that have come onto the road to perform work did not want to be singled out for attention. They quietly went about their jobs and corrected problems found. Some MOI has seen so oft that they have become 'au fait'.

Keith, Richard, Will, Carlos, Hank, Roy, Billy to name a few. There would also have to be mentioned the many who chatted with MOI and begged off having named used and just told; "just doing the job I am paid to do". The wonderful public employees that came to fix pot holes, trim trees, remove graffiti, correct parking problems, remove dumped couches and other materials from alleys.

We are not talking about department heads here, just the ordinary folks who go about their jobs on a daily basis, ensuring that the life of the city keeps running. Performing a myriad of services that make up the 'quality of life' so many take for granted. What a horrid existence city living would become if these chaps were not to be here.

Most of the public employees met have been brilliant. Many are well aware of the special problems presented by living on Calaveras and in the neighborhood. They have cheered on efforts to improve the 'quality of life' here and have made mention to th changes seen here to their mates. Upon returning in future visits they have noticed improvements and felt pride in having been a part in the road changing.

The life of Calaveras is dependent on the goodwill of visitors. When folks come here to do work or correct problems they take away their impressions with them. They tell mates and family what they have seen here. Each time a positive image is presented about Calaveras, it chips away at the 'urban legend' believed about the road and the community.

There would be no way that this old geezer could sweep up the massive amount of rubbish on the road. The street sweeper has been ever so kind and made an extra effort to get as much from the gutters as possible. Not just on one visit but on following visits as well. The chap who comes into the neighborhood looking for reported graffiti, takes the time to do a right proper job of removing, and getting the graffiti MOI failed to see when it was reported.

We expect Department Heads to be brilliant, that is why they get paid the 'big bucks'. That their leadership filters down and drives public employees to do a brilliant job is expected. The bonus is to find so many public employees that love their jobs and go the extra distance to do it better than expected. It is more than a pay packet to them.

The condition of Calaveras and the neighborhood could not have improved without the most excellent job performance of the public employees who have visited the road. Next time you see a problem and see it being dealt with by a public employee, take the time to thank them. That they are appreciated. After all they are your neighbor.

A fanfare to the common man doing uncommon things to make life better for all of us in Fresno.