Named after a historic winery
Just over 3 miles from downtown Fresno, the unincorporated Calwa community has an active beat of neighborhood activity. The area was once the site of the biggest winery and distillery in the state, the California Wine Association. A community later sprouted nearby, and the Calwa name formed as an acronym. The neighborhood's west end is entirely industrial, lined with construction yards, warehouses, and shipping companies that take advantage of the highway proximity and nearby railway. Calwa is a young community, with over a third of the population under 18. According to the district administrator, Tim Chapa, the neighborhood is "mostly working-class families with two to three kids." The young community benefits from town events, a bustling park and a high level of diversity and inclusivity.
Ranches for well below the Fresno average
Homes in Calwa are mostly one-story midcentury ranches with multi-pitched roofs. Still, a few 21st-century craftsman-style houses exist on flipped lots. Homes sit on straight-lined blocks with sidewalks out front. Many residents take advantage of the pathways for walks around the neighborhood, as the wide streets are usually occupied by parked cars. Prices range from $160,000 to $$400,000, with a median price of $275,000. Calwa properties are, on average, $100,000 less expensive than in surrounding neighborhoods of Fresno County. Private yard space is limited, but the park in town provides plenty of green space for getting outdoors and being active.
Green spaces to supplement small yards
The neighborhood has one expansive tract of green space named Calwa Park. "There is a lot of pride in the local park," Chapa says. It has multiple athletic fields for soccer, football and lacrosse, a playground and a basketball court. Calwa Park is also a neighborhood hub, with numerous annual events organized by the Calwa Recreation and Park District. Pilibos Soccer Park is northeast of the neighborhood. It has four soccer fields, a small playground and gazebos for shaded seating. North of Calwa, Mosqueda Park has two basketball courts, a swimming pool, a baseball field and a skate park.
Community events to take pride in
Through the time and effort of the Calwa Recreation and Park District board, the community comes through annual events. These giving events include a back-to-school backpack giveaway in August, a Halloween trunk-or-treat in October, and a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway in November. The park hosts other periodic events, too, from movie nights to job fairs to a community yard sale. "Just recently was the annual mural painting event," Chapa says, "90 muralists and graffiti artists have sections to paint along the wall that runs the length of the park."
High diversity and a high graduation rate
Most young students begin their education journey at Calwa Elementary School, rated a C by Niche.com. It is known for the Eagle Nest, an activity space filled with games meant to help students strengthen social and emotional skills that waned during the pandemic. The school feeds into Sequoia Middle School and Sunnyside High School, rated a C-plus and B by Niche. Sunnyside High School offers AP classes, a high graduation rate and a high level of diversity among students and staff.
Local tacos and big box stores
A popular place to pick up food in Calwa is El Dorado Taqueria y Botanas. Located in a small bright yellow building in Calwa Park, El Dorado Taqueria y Botanas pumps out tacos that pack a punch. Every-day retail is outside the neighborhood to the north, at Eastgate Shopping Center and along East Kings Canyon Road. Walmart, The Home Depot and Ross are on the strip alongside fast food and chain eateries.
Trains and busses downtown
Calwa is a short 3 miles southeast of Downtown Fresno, allowing car commuters to travel to work in less than 10 minutes. The neighborhood is also served by Fresno Area Express busses that run along the surrounding main streets. It is a moderately walkable community with ample sidewalks and wide streets leading to the industrial district to the east, where many residents work. Fresno Yosemite Airport sits 15 minutes north of Calwa, and an Amtrak train line runs along the southern perimeter of the neighborhood, bringing noise alongside the convenience of long-distance travel.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Mark Huddleston
