Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Opinion

Let’s ‘Flip the Script’ on the Fresno narrative. Tell us why this place is so special to you

FRESNO, CA 12/14/09 MTD CEK MOUNTAIN SNOW The downtown Fresno skyline is seen in the foreground as snow caps the Sierra Nevada mountains and clouds hug the foothills in the background Monday, December 14, 2009. Several days of precipitation have given the mountains east of Fresno a much-needed dumping of snow. CRAIG KOHLRUSS/THE FRESNO BEE
FRESNO, CA 12/14/09 MTD CEK MOUNTAIN SNOW The downtown Fresno skyline is seen in the foreground as snow caps the Sierra Nevada mountains and clouds hug the foothills in the background Monday, December 14, 2009. Several days of precipitation have given the mountains east of Fresno a much-needed dumping of snow. CRAIG KOHLRUSS/THE FRESNO BEE Fresno Bee Staff Photo

Are you a Fresno-area resident and feel like you’re constantly defending our community’s good name? Do you feel like there’s just too much negative talk about Fresno and its prospects?

I hear it, too, and wonder why, because there’s so much to love about this town and region.

The esteem-sucking jabs aren’t just from others. They also come from those who live here.

Does Fresno have a self-esteem issue?

At The Fresno Bee, we’ve thought about how we can change this narrative and boost civic pride, or as one of my colleagues says, “Flip the Script,” because the facts are on our side.

With your help, The Bee is embarking on a collaborative community effort to change the narrative and chart a path forward.

You can always find something nice to say, but our effort is more about celebrating and leveraging our true assets to change the local, state and national conversations about Fresno and the Central Valley. That’s how you attract new investments of all kinds.

We’re planning lots of coverage around this idea, including events. But first we need your help and have two requests:

  • Tell us what you love about Fresno? Sure, Yosemite National Park is nearby, but how has Fresno burrowed into your heart and soul? What would you say to someone you just met about why this place is special? I talk about the friendly people and all the international food options.

  • Let’s name this effort. A strong name with purpose can build momentum. I’ve already suggested “Flip the Script,” and that could be it, but how about some other interesting options? Give us your thoughts on these two questions through this link. (Please be as concise as you can, so we can read everything.)

The Fresno Bee strives to be solutions-oriented because it’s our job to serve you. Sure, the Bitwise fraud was a blow, and we have a homelessness crisis. But we’re the fifth largest city in California and home to an amazingly diverse population at the foot of amazing mountains.

There is so much to celebrate.

This story was originally published February 24, 2025 at 12:34 PM.

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