Reflections from Walk #40, starting at McKinley and Peach, walking south over Hwy 180. On a welcome rain-filled Saturday morning, four FMWalkers started from the Starbucks at McKinley and Peach in the parking lot of the Best Western used by airport travelers. Walkers talked about the beautiful cloud formations and the constantly changing sunlight struggling to break through. Walkers dedicated this walk to Eleanor Bennett, who passed away this week.
Within the neighborhoods, FMWalkers encountered wide puddles and had to backtrack to navigate around them. These neighborhoods were pockets of houses from the 60s, and then a block of 40s on large lots with fruit trees. Many streets had no sidewalks, and we guessed these were county islands within the City of Fresno. The air was fresh and clean, and we enjoyed the downpours and mix of rain and bright streaks of sunlight occasionally breaking through.
Large piles of big and small discarded items were soaking along the curbs. One house had an old video game on the lawn–perhaps an old Pong game machine. As we looked at it, a man talked to us through the bathroom window of his house. He was taking a shower when he called out to us. He asked us why we were looking at the game. He then told us that someone had just dumped it on his yard that morning. He had no idea where it came from.
After each walk, we talk about what was invisible that is now visible. – Walkers shared these observations:
They had no idea about the catwalk that went over Hwy 180. The graffiti was beautiful and seemed intentionally placed – true urban art. There were amazingly beautiful old trees, old oaks that had seen Fresno for the past 50+ years. Some were well maintained. Others were damaged by neglect or poor pruning. On many of the streets stood lovely shade trees for hot Fresno summers.
This walk was full of small clusters. A few blocks of similar 60s homes, then blocks of large lots and orchards. There were apartments on the main streets, and only a few alleys. Walkers talked about the feeling of patch-worked neighborhoods, a hodgepodge, a strange mix of old and new, and properties that have been parceled up over the years. There are older established well-cared for homes mixed alongside of rentals and transient homes with neglected yards, dismantled cars, cars on dead lawns, and overdue roofing repairs.
We neared Bakman Elementary, and learned about Mrs. Bakman who donated the land for the school. We saw and heard chickens and roosters.
A few front yards had fences, but they were not oppressive — many were decorative. Only a few barking dogs, and no loose dogs. Walkers talked about the contrast in neighborhoods where you can tell if the dogs are family pets or for security. Many front yard had seating areas, and we saw many people on front porches with coffee or cigarettes enjoying the rain and fresh air.
Out on the main streets of McKinley, Peach, and Olive, the businesses seemed disconnected from the neighborhoods we just walked in. A FMWalker asked to use the restroom in three different markets, and none would allow her, even if she bought something. At the end of the walk, we entered the Starbucks again at Peach and McKinley and were free to use the restroom with no key and no purchase. What changed within a 1/2 mile block? In the Starbucks parking lot, a team of Probation officers were finishing coffees and suiting up for the day’s work. They were checking their gear and supplies. Walkers commented on how some neighborhoods get regular probation sweeps and other neighborhoods have never seen a team of probation officers. On Olive Ave., we met Marcie and Arturo pushing a cart with two suitcases. Marcie offered to sell us a an outdated camcorder or a purse. We declined but talked to them for a minute. They told us they slept at a friend’s house last night. Arturo was cold and shaking. Their clothes were damp. We gave them a $20 bill and watched them immediately walk to the QuickMart. Marcie hugg
