Untitled Document
Fresno is the Spanish name for 'Ash Tree,' and like so many places bearing Spanish names throughout California, Fresno began in an era under Mexican rule.
The original Fresno County seat was located at the town of Millerton on the San Joaquin River-an area now flooded behind the Friant Dam.
When officials of the Central Pacific Railroad determined that their next stopping point would be a place called Fresno, a site surrounded by wilderness, but indicative of promise, the Millerton populace voted Fresno as their new county seat.
Today, the population of Fresno County, now over 764, 800, represents an emerging metropolitan center with a rich, cultural mix of more than 90 different nationalities. Fresno has all the amenities of a large city, combined with the wonderful qualities of a small, familiar community.
Fresno's Local Government
The City of Fresno is managed by a Strong Mayor form of Government. The City Council is represented by seven elected councilpersons, one of whom is the elected President of the Council. Fresno County is divided into five districts. A chief administrative officer serves the elected Board of Supervisors.
Culture
Culture, too, rates high among the unique characteristics of Fresno. Fresnans enjoy a rich and varied lifestyle that blends the cultural assets of much larger cities with an atmosphere of tranquillity that often seems at odds with the area's dynamic growth. Fresno abounds with fine regional and ethnic restaurants as well as a vibrant nightlife. Its symphony, local theater companies, music and dance productions distinguish Fresno as a city with access to a wide variety of cultural events. The Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Fresno Art Museum and other cultural organizations preserve the area's rich history and serve at the forefront for future activities.
Beauty
Fresno County agrarian beauty is showcased yearly at the Fresno County Blossom Trail, a 67 mile self-guided tour featuring the natural allurement of California's agricultural heartland. A panorama of blossoms such as peaches, nectarines, oranges, plums and almonds can be found along the trail. The Blossom Trail kickoff is customarily set for the end of February.
Fresno Area Business
For many years, Fresno basked in its plentiful sun and quiet and stillness, breezing through the years with not too much turmoil, steadily building on its ag-based foundation, and enjoying its small-town amenities while the metropolitan centers to the north and the south were concerned with "big city" issues.
We were a quieter place then.
Today, Fresno can boast about its 7,500 farmers harvesting 250 crops on 1 million irrigated acres. Known as the number one agricultural county in the world, Fresno grows cotton, tomatoes, lettuce, grapes, citrus, and much more. The total annual gross revenue from Fresno County crop production tops $3 billion.
Fresno County Farm Bureau statistics report that one in every three jobs in the county relates to agriculture. But increasing numbers of industrial, manufacturing, and service industries are finding Fresno County to be an ideal location to base all types of operations.
A study conducted by Ernst and Young ranked Fresno high on the list of preferred sites for manufacturing and distribution. The ranking was due to the city's central location and access to over 35 million consumers within a day's drive. Designated as a Port of Entry, Fresno's key location in the center of the state and a comprehensive transportation network make it a natural hub for distribution of a myriad of goods and services.
Enterprise Zones is another one of Fresno's treasures available to area businesses. The zones enable the city to offer tax credits, reduce development fees, employee benefits, priority status for bond and infrastructure financing, and numerous other incentives. The Fresno County Economic Development and other local government agencies spearhead the projects and continue to attract new businesses to Fresno County.
Fresno is also home to nationally recognized organizations such as: Quickie Designs, one of the country's largest wheelchair manufacturers; Pelco, a worldwide distributor of camera and surveillance equipment; Duncan Enterprises, the world's largest hobby ceramics manufacturer; and Nisshinbo Industries, a leading Japanese textile manufacturer.
Downtown Revitalization
A new gust of wind has blown through downtown Fresno, one that is sending the downtown area into a whirlwind of changes. One of the most recent projects is the building of a new federal courthouse, adding beauty to Fresno's skyline. Fresnans will soon see the building of the Central California Regional Medical Network. Allowing the central valley community to have hospitals like those at UCLA and Stanford. There is also the hope of a new Amtrak Station and the most exciting news of Triple A Baseball/Entertainment Stadium. The future is downtown Fresno!
Transportation
Fresno Yosemite International, continues to grow. This state-of-the-art commercial and general aviation center for the San Joaquin Valley has nearly 100 arrivals and departures daily. In addition, charter flights or rentals are also available.
The Santa Fe and Southern Pacific rail companies provide service to the Valley, and over 200 trucking services operate from the Fresno area. Santa Fe railroad is currently looking to expand their operations in the Fresno area. Amtrak passenger service links Fresno with northern and southern California. Greyhound bus service connects travelers to other destinations.
Convention and Tourism
Fresno is currently expanding its convention site due to its popularity. Because Fresno had a central location it makes it a natural site for various conventions. Fresno has more than 6,000 hotel/motel rooms to accommodate the many organizations that gather here. Fresno offers full-service conference hotels such as Holiday Inn Centre Plaza, Fresno Hilton Hotel, Resorts at Bass Lake, Courtyard by Marriott, Piccadilly Inn Hotels, Ramada Inn, and Yosemite Marriott-Tenaya Lodge.
Fresno, the only city surrounded by three national parks, provides easy access to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. Also, Fresno provides comfortable day trips to San Francisco, the California Coast and the Los Angeles area. Serving businesses, the arts, and the community, the Fresno Convention Center covers five city blocks and includes, Selland Arena, used for concerts, sporting events, and exhibits; the William Saroyan Theater, which seats 2,359 in an ideal environment for concerts, stage plays, ballets and meetings; and the Exhibit Hall, with 11 separate conference rooms and 32,000 square feet of unobstructed area for banquets, conventions, and dances. In addition, the Fresno Conference Center, located across the street from the Convention Center, features a 13,000-square-foot ballroom and seven meeting rooms.
Learn more about this city
City of FRESNO, CA official site
City of FRESNO, CA chamber of commerce
City of FRESNO, CA general information
City of FRESNO, CA yellow pages
City of FRESNO, CA newspaper
County of FRESNO, CA official site
State of California official site