Coming to Downtown: A Street Named Audra McDonald Way
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 6 years ago on
May 21, 2018
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Fresno plans to rename a portion of a downtown street after one of its favorite daughters, Broadway great Audra McDonald.
M Street between Inyo and Ventura will become “Audra McDonald Way.”
“Whereas, in addition to her professional career where she has consistently defied racial stereotypes, Audra is a passionate advocate for equal rights and LGBTQ causes, and actively devotes her time and talents to spreading awareness about at-risk youth.” — City of Fresno proclamation
The city council will vote on the honorary renaming Thursday (May 24) at 9:45 a.m. She is not expected to be at council chambers for the vote, however.McDonald, a six-time Tony Award Award-winning actor, grew up in Fresno, performed with the Good Company Players and graduated from Roosevelt High School.
“Whereas, in addition to her professional career where she has consistently defied racial stereotypes, Audra is a passionate advocate for equal rights and LGBTQ causes, and actively devotes her time and talents to spreading awareness about at-risk youth,” the city’s proclamation reads.
McDonald Homecoming May 26
McDonald performs with the Fresno Philharmonic in her hometown Saturday, May 26.
Earlier this year, Roosevelt announced it was renaming its school theater in her honor. That will take place at 11 a.m. on May 26 as well, and McDonald will attend the ceremony, a Fresno Unified spokeswoman said. The public is invited to the event.
The Saroyan Theatre, Valdez Hall and Selland Arena line the block of M Street that will become Audra McDonald Way.
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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub.
The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices.
Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read.
Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man).
Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl.
When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games.
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue!
You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
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