So the Fresno Police Department decided to install some cameras in parts of SW Fresno where drug dealing and prostitution run rampant. Normally I would be against cameras in public for the “big brother” factor (except of course in pertinent places like banks, etc), but this really is a bad part of Fresno that needs to be further cleaned up. Simply driving through this area it would be impossible not to notice the street walkers or the thugs who can sometimes literally be seen counting their money on the street. Personally, I am against the war on drugs, but when it’s out in public destroying neighborhoods, and I’m going to guess mostly Crystal Meth (something no one should ever touch), it’s a whole different story. 

These neighborhoods need to be rejuvinated and the first step is definitely taking the crime off of the street by “turning the heat up” if you will. Cameras placed in these locations will drive the gangs and drugdealing out of the public eye, which although it doesn’t stop the problem, it takes a lot of innocent people out of the mix. There are kids walking home from school in this area and they do not need to witness women selling their bodies on a daily basis, nor do they need to be tempted to sell or purchase hard drugs. Besides “Motel Ave”, this is one of the biggest drug hotspots in the city, and I must appluad the Fresno PD on taking steps to attempt to eliminate this violent and ruthless aspect of the city.

Hopefully these cameras stay in the areas that need them, and don’t spill into the less violent areas as a simple surveillance tool, because in my opinion that would be crossing the line. The south side of Fresno has the potential to be a great place for people to live, but until people can walk on the street safely, that just isn’t going to happen. Hopefully this will help work towards a safer and more friendly future Fresno.

Yesterday, someone in Fresno did a very brave thing. Father Geoffrey Farrow of the Saint Paul Newman Center in Northeast Fresno spoke out against Proposition 8 (the bill defining marriage as between a man and a woman) and also admitted to being gay, not something that is easy to do in a town as conservative as Fresno. It is people like this who help lead the world on a path to a brighter and more progressive future. Father Farrow has been ordained for twenty-three years, a large part of his life, and will most likely be suspended from priesthood for choosing to voice his opinion in this matter. Unfortunately for him, the Catholic Church, which he is a part of, shares a different opinion and continues to seek legislation defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

Things this inspiring on a civil rights level don’t normally happen in Fresno, where bumper stickers endorsing Proposition 8 are plentiful in parking lots and on roads all over town. There’s no doubt about it, Fresno is stuck in the past in many ways, and this event will likely prove it in the coming days. One inspiring part about the story is that half of the congregation gave him a standing applause. It’s good to know some people respect his decision and bravery for being able to make such a statement. I have nothing but disgust for the people who did not applaud. They likely trusted in this man for their most personal of guidance for years, and just because he has announced his homosexuality his influence on their life is likely done for, it’s a shame really. I’d like to see Fresno embracing this man in a more positive way, but I just don’t find it likely. I can only hope that I am proven wrong.