Voices From Fresno's Chinatown

Chinatown is one of Fresno's oldest neighborhoods, and it's now facing changes and challenges. Two of the state's highest profile projects, high-speed rail and cap-and-trade, call the neighborhood ground zero. We spoke to business owners old and new to hear what they have to say about all the activity in a story on Valley Edition. The videos below include more thoughts from business owners mentioned in the story, and other voices from Chinatown.

You'll hear from Morgan Doizaki of Central Fish; Abelardo Arenas, owner of La Elegante; Ofelia Hemme from Ofelia's Cocina; Nadjara Thornton, who works at Chef Paul's Cafe; Cheo El Rumbero and Ruben Hurtado, regulars at Chef Paul's; and Arthur Moye, CEO of Full Circle Brewing Co. 

Morgan Doizaki runs Central Fish, a Japanese market in Chinatown. On a tour of Chinatown, Morgan spoke about how the neighborhood has strong Japanese influences. Like other ethnic minorities in the last century, many Japanese American families lived, worked and did business in Chinatown. Shown is a mural we saw on the tour that says "Fresno California Japantown."

Abelardo Arenas owns La Elegante, a popular taqueria that’s been in Chinatown for almost 25 years. It started with his dad’s catering truck, which still serves up Mexican food around town.

Ofelia Hemme owns Ofelia's Cocina and the barber shop next door. She says the best part about running a business in Chinatown is that her customers are just like family.

Nadjara Thornton’s grandfather is Chef Paul of Chef Paul's Cafe in Chinatown. Some call it soul food, but Nadjara calls what they serve “comfort food.” Sitting in front of a mural in the restaurant, Nadjara talks about his grandfather’s background and what’s on the menu.

Cheo El Rumbero and Ruben Hurtado are regulars at Chef Paul's Cafe. They told me what they had for lunch and why they love the restaurant.

Arthur Moye is the CEO of Full Circle Brewing Co. in Chinatown. The brewery has existed for years, but Moye and his team have only been there for one. This clip is of Arthur telling newcomers to check out what Chinatown has to offer.