hi this is Maria Franco with the Fresno Arts Council--what is Jarah's last name--thanks, Maria

nicely said, Craig.

-Eric

Someday, when our self-esteem is high enough, we won't care what others think about us, whether people leave or not, or how long they've been here. Old-timers and new-comers will judge each other by what they contribute rather than their ability to come and/or go.

Jarah has created a place called FF that I have truly loved and enjoyed. She has built a forum for communication and community that is incredible. She did help make Fresno less boring with each issue. We'll never know exactly how many more people tried local restaurants, went to art openings, or listened to bands. But we know that more people have and will do those things because of her work and contribution. That's a pretty good legacy, whether or not she ever comes back to the burg for more than a visit. How many of our hundreds of thousands of residents can say that?

Instead of holding on, let's throw parties and parades, and then look around for the others who will fill-in next and move us forward as a community. There are others having Jarah-like effects, who need our support.

Look out Wharton, just like Fresno, you'll never be the same once Jarah passes through!

Craig
Fresno: Garden City under the Sierra Nevadas

Actually I respect and applaud Jarah's candor. I don't see it as a slam but more as a challenge. Having lived here close to 27 years I can say that it took probably 20 years before that for the collective consciousness here to develop the self esteem issues this city is still battling. That is the result of over 40 years of brow beating that eventually led to a form of self mutilation. (Yes, every time you are out of town and apologize for being from here... you're doing it too.) It will take a little longer to get over that. That being said, strides have been and continue to be made. What is possible is closer than what once was before. At least that idea is simmering... which is certainly better than the sense of resignation that was once embraced. Jarah along with a few others have lit those early fires for change... now others just have to step up to the plate. It's not just about changing the rules but the entire game. Instead of playing the (oh, so popular) "It sucks here because..." game, change it to the "What if..." game. The latter inspires action.

Cheers Jarah!

Good thing I'm not in politics!

Jarah if you were in politics, that would have been your Howard Dean "YEEEHAAWW" moment. Anyway good luck in school, I for one will continue to do what is in my power to make Fresno a better place to live.

Gotta agree with Wiffle here. The point is am/was frustrated by this town, and did my best to make it a place where I want to live. I just don't think there are enough folks here (yet?) who want to live in the same type of place that I do, and so momentum and progress (in my eyes) reach a certain point, and then fizzle out. I reached a point where I realized most Fresnans are not like me; do not want the same things as me. And that is just peachy. If they are happy with the way things are more power to them. I hope that those trying to effect change here don't stop, and that I can come back and love the life I live in Fresno. I've got nothing but respect for those trying to make Fresno a better place, whether that's cleaning the air or encouraging the arts or any number of other things.

And I'm not trying to justify anything. I'm going to grad school. But before I left I thought I would be honest about how I see things now.

I was all ready to jump on Jarah (whoops, that didn't come out right) for taking parting shots at Fresno, but after listening to them, they didn't bother me like I'd thought. Because, what I think Jarah is asking for from Fresno is not possible here ... YET.

That whole all-encompassing-urban-lifestyle isn't possible in a SMALL city. We forget sometimes, Fresno is a small city. It's not our fault and it's not fair to do straight comparisons. Once Fresno caps-off the Northeastern sprawl and we get a bigger population base, we'll be more "urban" and ready to bring back the "Jarahs".

I'm sure when Los Angeles or the San Fran'/Bay Area was at the 450,000 people point, somebody was going around bitching, "Well, I guess SF is OKAY but there isn't as much going on here as there is back in New York and London."

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http://www.dorktown.net

We all know Jarah had to leave for greener pasture, but to spit in Fresno's eye before leaving really sucks. I know she has to justify her departure by saying there is no hope in Fresno. The problem is, many young people who look to make mold Fresno into a better place are influenced by Jarah. And when she says there is no hope, I'm sure others will loose hope as well. So as many Fresnans have and continue to migrate north because downtown does not offer what they want (gated communities, malls, and a Cheesecake Factory), Jarah leaves as well. To me, they are one in the same.