Let’s Hear It for Fresno

Surprise! Something good has finally been written about Fresno! (“Fresno Receives High Marks From Its Natives” by Tia Gindick, Oct. 6.)

We were Fresno residents during the ‘70s. It was a wonderful place to raise our three young daughters. Convenient national parks, availability of first-rate performing arts, campaign stops for would-be political candidates, nature, California history and farming all around gave our children a wonderful out-of-class education all year long. The first-rate Fresno County Fair, multi-ethnic foods and communities, Rotary Park (children’s rides for only 10 cents) were an added plus.

Within walking distance of California State University, Fresno, I completed my teaching credential. My husband often biked to his pastorate (Peace Lutheran Church). Our neighbors shared our values. Summer evenings often found whole families gathered on a front lawn. At Christmas we chose an evening to carol the surrounding blocks, followed by hot chocolate and singing along to the Christmas portion of “Messiah.” Many families on Flora Street were multi-generation Fresno families. There was a real feeling of family continuity. We were fortunate (Midwestern transplants) to be included in some of these family festivities.

Hot weather and deep fog were something you had to live with. But the almond trees in spring bloom, falling leaves and crisp air in fall, a roaring fire in cold weather gave a sense of direction from one season to the next. (How can you explain to your children, in Orange County, the joys of changing seasons?)

Fresno, we love you! We miss you! Sometimes we wonder why we ever moved.

JEAN FUERBINGER

Fountain Valley