March 12, 2025 – Former Mayor of Clovis and current City Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck was the featured speaker in this month’s Let’s Talk Clovis event.
Let’s Talk Clovis takes place on the second Tuesday of every month, bringing together Clovis residents to talk about our collective history since Clovis was founded in 1912.
President of the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Society Jayne Robinson was excited to bring Ashbeck into the discussion, making the focal point “what makes cities great.”
As head of the society and a volunteer for the Clovis Museum, Robinson was responsible for organizing Ashbeck’s talk and ensuring that the speakers of each Let’s Talk Clovis event are special individuals that have made a significant impact in the city.
She was eager to bring Ashbeck into the conversation, sharing that she had been working on bringing her in since December.
Leaning into the individuals and decisions that have shaped its legacy, Ashbeck emphasized the importance of continuing the work that the previous generations have begun.
She comically remarked, “I’m horrified that I’m here in this room,” sparking laughter from the audience. Ashbeck explained that she felt unworthy of being recognized as one of the people who has influenced Clovis, stating, “I am so honored to be here, I do not feel worthy.”
That humility was mirrored during the rest of her talk as she explained that Clovis was not great because of her, but rather the efforts of the people around her and those who had come before.
Mentioning individuals such as Peg Bos, Harry Armstrong, and Doc Buchanan, she addressed how cities like Clovis do not remain in top standing by default – if people do not keep up the work that has been done by their predecessors, it will inevitably decline.
She stated, “50 years from now, our job and [the job of] the generation behind us, is to never lose sight of why we are great and passing that along…my biggest worry is that, if we’re not careful, we will become a big, placeless suburb.”
Ashbeck’s words sparked inspiration into the hearts of those listening. After she asked what makes Clovis a great city, audience members were eager to raise their hands and speak out about what they love about our town.
Many nodded in agreement when someone mentioned the Clovis Unified School District and their involvement with students and families in the area. Others mentioned proximity to Fresno State or the community at large.
One comment in particular recognized the irony in talking about what makes Clovis great while sitting in the very building of one of those influences – the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.
Spaces and people such as these were the contributing factors to the greatness of Clovis, as well as the unity that can be found among its community, Ashbeck continued.
If we care only about our specific district, area, or part of town, she stated, we will lose sight of what is best for the Clovis community as a whole, and the efforts of previous generations will be in vain.
Recognizing the importance of preserving and understanding our collective history, those interested in learning more about the history of Clovis are encouraged to attend Let’s Talk Clovis every second Tuesday of the month or volunteer and visit the Clovis Museum at 401 Pollasky Avenue.