Event center in Fresno closed due to unsanitary conditions for 2nd time in 4 months

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A Fresno event center was closed for more than two weeks following an inspection by the Fresno County Department of Public Health — and not for the first time.

North Point Event Center on West Avenue near Ashlan Avenue, was cited for multiple violations during an April 7 inspection and ultimately ordered closed for “inadequate wastewater drainage and unsanitary conditions.”

The violations were spelled out in a nine-page inspection report filed by the the county’s Environment Health Division.

According to the report, inspectors found multiple sinks that were clogged and overflowing. Others had leaks in the plumbing lines. The carpet was wet around at least one of the sinks. Most of the floor sinks had food debris in them, according to the report.

Inspectors also noted food being stored in open containers in various rooms around the facility, and on the floor in the walk-in freezer. A car battery was also found near food equipment.

This wasn’t the first time inspectors found violations at the facility. In January, the facility was closed after inspectors found several rodents (both alive and dead). One mouse was found dead inside a container of bulk coriander.

While no vermin were observed during the latest inspection, droppings were found at multiple locations.

The event center was allowed to reopen April 23, though a portion of the facility, known as West Bar Regency, remains closed.

Other restaurant closures in Fresno for April 2025

Other closures reported in monthly data issued by the health department were:

• A food truck, Taqueria Emmanuel # 2, which was pulled out of operation following an inspection April 10. The truck was cited (and ordered closed) for several violations including a lack of potable water (both hot and cold needed for sanitation), soap at hand wash sink and adequate refrigeration equipment. The inspector also found “food debris and grease build up” and cockroaches. It remains closed, according to the report, and must correct the violations before it can reopen.

• Thai Phuket, on First Street just north of McKinley Avenue, was closed April 29 due to a lack of hot water needed to safely wash pots, pans, dishes and glasses. The hot water was recorded at 64 degrees. It needed to be at least 100 for employees to watch their hands. Hot water is one of the most common violations and causes for closure during inspections and is often quickly corrected. The restaurant reopened later that day.

In March, there were seven closures ordered by the health department, which monitors (and inspects) restaurants, snack bars, grocery stores, commissaries, delicatessens and food vendors across the county and makes its reports available to the public online.

In all, 21 restaurants, markets and other food businesses have failed health inspections so far in 2025.

What inspectors look for

The Fresno County Department of Public Health has about two dozen environmental health specialists who monitor almost 5,000 restaurants, snack bars, grocery stores, commissaries, delicatessens and food vendors across the county and make unannounced visits several times a year.

Restaurants also are inspected following fires, or in response to complaints or other concerns from the public, including when people report what they believe are health or sanitation issues at restaurants.

When inspectors visit a restaurant or other food service business, there is a lengthy and detailed list of more than 50 things that draw their scrutiny. They include:

• Whether the manager and all employees have the required food safety or food-handling certificates.

• Hygiene of individual employees.

• Ways to keep cold food at or below 41 degrees and hot food above 135 degrees.

• Use of proper sterilization for counters, tables, utensils and cookware.

• Proper drainage of sinks and floor drains.

• Restrooms stocked with supplies.

• Whether the business has the proper license or permit.

In most instances, if an inspector finds a problem, it’s something that can be fixed on the spot. This can include having enough bleach or sanitizer in the water used to wipe down food-preparation areas, replenishing soap, paper towels and toilet paper in the restrooms, or reminding employees to wash their hands and wear gloves and hairnets.

Insect or vermin infestations are violations that can result in immediate closure of restaurants or food businesses when they are observed by health inspectors.

Among other serious concerns are refrigerators that don’t keep food cold enough or steam tables that don’t keep food hot enough to inhibit bacterial growth, or clogged sinks or drains that cause contaminated water to back up into kitchens.