Sights: big trees, citrus trees with ripening fruit, front yard art (Debbie came out to greet and check on us), fountains, only one house with bars on porch or windows, walkers only saw 2 kids in back yard, big/deep yards, lady running with her dog, variety in architecture, really cool unique architecture and landscaping, one house had a pool that seemed to be in the front yard. Many houses with solar panel. These homes seem inviting. Unique and varied architecture. A more welcoming feel with deep yards and landscaping and no chain linked fencing. Newer developments in the city vs. county islands. Walkers talked about the mix of campaign signs since we are at the intersection of Clovis, Sanger, Fresno. The worn path along the tracks. Some graffiti on the walls along the tracks.
What walkers didn’t see: few if any sidewalks. (Walkers thought this was county island.) No homeless people, but did see signs of belongings, bedding, and trash along the tracks. No kids out playing/riding bikes. A runner recommended we walk along the canal and said, “it’s late enough the hobos should be gone.” No abandoned shopping carts. No front yard dogs running along barking at walkers. No razor wire. Walkers did talk about the cacti planted at the back fences of homes along the tracks.
Walkers talked about the recent news of gang arrests in southeast Fresno. Walkers felt comfortable walking in this area without noticing criminal or gang activity. Walkers talked about the extreme contrasts that can exist even within one section of Fresno.
Walkers imagined more walking paths, maybe along the railroad tracks. This track/trail could connect to canal trail. Walkers saw the entrance to a canal walking path at Butler and DeWitt with many walkers and cars parked at the entrance.
Who decides about county island areas? It’s really weird where city and county stop and start. What’s the benefit or costs to living in city vs. county. Police? Fire? Garbage pickup? Voting?
Walkers discussed how enjoyable it is to walk in these neighborhoods, beautiful inviting homes, serene, mature trees are so inviting.