Fresno State has worked hard to market itself as the team in the Central Valley. The Bulldogs have that big "V" on the back of their helmets as a way to honor the Central Valley. They've succeeded in their goal. Of course, success isn't always perfect.
Membership in a large and notorious Central Valley gang called the Bulldogs.
Beginning in the 1980s Fresno State's fearsome mascot became a symbol of gang violence.
About two years ago, city officials and the police department began a public crackdown on the gang and even now grade school and high school students here can't wear Fresno State gear to school.
Fresno State, the city of Fresno and plenty of other people are talking about the problem. The mayor has said they have "declared war to get that logo back." When? That doesn't seem clear. Even if they do manage to get it away from being linked to gangs it will still take years to overcome the perception. That means Fresno State gear will remain banned from the public schools in the Central Valley.
