ORANGE COVE – Ideas and strategies for business promotions, city signage, social media messaging, art shows, volunteer opportunities and more bounced around Orange Cove’s city council chambers on a Tuesday evening, despite there being no council meeting in session.
Instead, roughly 30 residents, business owners and avid volunteers had gathered at Orange Cove City Hall July 28 for the first meeting of the Orange Cove Downtown Business and Tourism Advisory Committee. The committee aims to revitalize Orange Cove’s downtown and eventually revive the chamber of commerce.
City Manager Sam Escobar said that as he’s settled into his position, a common thread he’s seen is that there isn’t enough information, online or otherwise, about what Orange Cove has to offer the community. Even people who have lived in the city for years don’t know about what all is out there.
“That’s why we want to try to use our resources to help out and promote the businesses here,” Escobar said.
As a first step, the city council signed off on forming the advisory committee earlier in the month. The first meeting was kept relatively informal and featured residents sharing their thoughts, questions and concerns, building off one another and referring back to the city’s history or their own experiences.
Broad themes touched on by the committee included attracting tourists to the city, particularly ones traveling along State Route 180 and heading to the national parks. Other themes included improving the perception of Orange Cove held by residents from neighboring cities, cleaning up run-down buildings and the city’s main trail, and encouraging Orange Cove residents to support their local businesses.
Those present also shared ideas about getting the youth involved in city events and giving teens a sense of ownership over the community in an effort to cut down on graffiti and littering. Residents suggested starting an “art hop” to showcase local students’ creative sides, mural projects throughout the city and increased volunteer opportunities.
Although some conversation centered around what seems to be lacking in the city, residents also discussed the things Orange Cove does well.
Business owner Tyshon Johnson said he had a smooth, positive experience with the city last year when he was working to open his martial arts gym, Silva BJJ. Johnson said that when he got connected with Councilmember Jacob Del Bosque, he was able to get in front of the city council and work out a zoning change that needed to happen in order for him to operate his gym in its location.
“I will say, for all of the gyms I’ve had, and even for my brewery (in Clovis), Orange Cove was the easiest place to open up to get my business,” Johnson said.
He added that business owners and community members should remember that, although the city has an obligation to them, they also have an obligation to the city to ensure it has the tax revenue and income it needs to provide services and events.
Many of the ideas the committee floated will require monetary donations and volunteer hours, and committee members said they are ready to take that on.
Escobar said the committee will hold its second meeting in August, at which time the city hopes to formalize its structure and membership based on who can make a commitment to be involved.
