Frustration is mounting among some Fresno business owners who say they are not getting enough support from the city as they grapple with repeated break-ins, vandalism and homelessness.
In Fresno, Colorado Grill has been broken into four times in the past three years. The restaurant’s front door remains boarded up following the most recent incident early Saturday morning.
Manager Robert Watson said the latest break-in, while upsetting, was not unexpected.
“It happened for the fourth time. So, it wasn’t nothing shocking. I just wanted to know what did they take?” Watson said.
While it remains unclear who is responsible for the latest incident, Watson said he believes more needs to be done to address crime and homelessness in the area.
“It’s not cheap, and we’re not the only one that’s been getting hit,” he said.
Across town near downtown, the owner of La Elegante Taqueria Able Arenas shared similar concerns. The business owner said unhoused individuals are a frequent presence in the area, often leaving behind litter and, in some cases, starting warming fires nearby.
“Some are even causing warming fires,” Arenas said.
The concerns come as city leaders continue to highlight efforts to address homelessness. Last week, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said during an appearance on “Great Day” that the city has made significant progress.
“In the last five years, we’ve placed over 11,000 people in shelter now, and over half of those have gone on for a safe exit. And about three-fourths of those have gone into permanent housing,” Dyer said.
Despite those numbers, some business owners say the improvements are not reflected in their day-to-day experiences.
Watson said he has at times felt unsafe confronting individuals outside his business.
“Sometimes it gets to the point where they want to fight me,” he said. “So I try not to put myself in that way. And then when we call the cops, they tell us just leave them alone or let them go or just let them roam around.”
Fresno police were asked how many break-ins have been reported citywide since the start of the year but had not responded at the time of publication.
