Turn Fulton Mall into epicenter of learning

I have a love-hate relationship with Fresno.

My husband joined the service in 2003, and I was sure Fresno would soon just be a memory. When my husband finally convinced me in 2012 that Fresno was to be our final destination, I felt defeated. We could have gone anywhere in the country, and yet here we are. I have since made every effort to find the silver lining of returning home to a place that was only a reflection of my struggles.

The revitalization of downtown Fresno was one of the few things I was looking forward to see come to fruition upon my return. Here I sit, three years later, still waiting for Fresno to muster up the courage to actually do it. Maybe the city is out of ideas. Maybe it has lost its steam among the battle between the high-speed train and our dwindling water supply.

Maybe it should invest in turning Fulton Mall into epicenter of learning and encouragement for our young children and teenagers. Fill those empty buildings with media centers, music camps, day camps, after-school programs, and indoor recreation. If they build it, they will come.

This story was originally published August 1, 2015 at 6:36 AM with the headline "Turn Fulton Mall into epicenter of learning."