Just kidding. Regardless of people's motives, it's obvious that these people care about our town. Seeing all this Downtown support has inspired me to write a little ditty too.

I have spent a lot of time over the past few weeks biking around trying to get a feel for "what" our Downtown is, because most of my knowledge of Fresno was North of Shaw. I was introduced to the Tower District by a friend, and now it's my favorite spot. I hoped that Downtown could be just as appealing, full of good, down-to-earth people that aren't captivated by the commercialism of RiverPark. But Downtown is not another Tower District.

As noted by other bloggers, Downtown puts its sleeping cap on by around 5:30, because most businesses in the vicinity are only open during traditional hours. There are a few exceptions, however, including Mezcal, Tokyo Gardens and some art studios. These aren't enough though, and they're spaced too far apart. Fresno natives expect everything they need to be within a block or two of walking, and some of these attractions require the Suburban Fresno North-ender to hop in the Hummer and drive to the next location. Not a good business idea, because then they have to find parking again, another Downtown strongpoint! What has worked for Tower is having a row of fairly interesting businesses that guide the people along the sidewalk. There is never more than 50 feet until you will see a business that will interest the average person. Compare Tower at 5:30, or even 8:30pm with Downtown and you will see my point and the answer to OUR problem.

So where to begin with the in-fill? I suggest the best place to start is NoDo (North of Downtown) where Reza Assemi is putting in his effort. I believe that Reza's Broadway Studios (Fulton & Tuolumne) is the best attraction during ArtHop for its variety and quality of artistic styles, and ArtHop is our best bet to get the Suburbanites to come Downtown after-hours. Everything he touches seems to turn to gold, and he has gotten the redevelopment ball rolling in that area. Why not band together to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome?

My plan to help this effort is to put in a club in that area and market it to the 18 and over crowd, to instill in them while they're young and impressionable (and adventurous) that Downtown isn't what their soccer mom warned them it would be. My dilemma is, why should I invest my money in an area that is far riskier than the North East end of Fresno? For love of Downtown? Yes, but how much is that worth? The Fresno Redevelopment agency states that it is pouring over a half BILLION dollars into Downtown. Maybe they could pass some of that money our way to subsidize a growth in culture rather than putting it into hotels and high-rises. That money will go a lot farther in the hands of thrifty Fresno entrepreneurs, than in the hands of CEOs with big paychecks.

I am going to do my part to take action by trying to give Fresnans another Downtown destination. Is anyone with me?

-Walden

PS: Make some time during ArtHop tonight to swing by Mezcal Bar and Grill at 1310 Van Ness Ave. It's within walking distance of Broadway Studios and Warner's Theatre. The owner started Los Amigos restaurant on Shaw and West, and decided to invest in Downtown with this new enterprise. We need to support people who are willing to gamble with their fortune to support a vision for a strong community.