When you talk about the ‘Valley,’ what do you mean?

The Bee’s Sept. 3 editorial, “After Harvey, Central Valley must get ready for coming storm,” was praiseworthy for two reasons – it urged preparation for catastrophe and it correctly used the term “Central Valley.” It was talking about the true Central Valley, those 450 miles from Redding to Bakersfield, comprising 18 counties and two valleys, the Sacramento and the San Joaquin.

That impressive chunk of real estate should have been called the Grand Valley, given its size and the fact it was created by two rivers running in opposite directions, which is rather grand in itself.

Here’s an egregious example of name confusion: The majestically named, longtime Fresno Regional Foundation recast itself as Central Valley Community Foundation and became anonymous. That disaster was engineered by an outsider who thought the name “Fresno” was poison. Logic for the change was that the foundation extended beyond Fresno. The word “Regional” did that.

Why are Fresnans themselves eager to disown this place? Mayor Ashley Swearingen left “Fresno” off the ballot when she ran for statewide office. She could make amends by restoring the Fresno Regional Foundation which she now heads.

This story was originally published September 6, 2017 at 4:26 PM with the headline "When you talk about the ‘Valley,’ what do you mean?."