TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KMPH) -
Nike is putting the Tulare County community of London on the map with its global ad campaign. But it seems there's little excitement that the world is going to get a glimpse of London.
Locals say London is known for two things: drugs and gangs. They add that a feel-good commercial isn't going to change the town's image.
So far only part of the Nike commercial filmed recently in London is available online. The filming took place in the front yard of James Bierman's home. "They liked the way the cement, the way I laid the cement around it cause it looked good and it worked good for the skateboards to jump over the car."
James Bierman is a longtime resident of London. The jump ramp used in the commercial remains in his front yard but the Chevy Nova has been moved to the back yard and it's changed colors.
Nathaniel Garrett, the Grandson of a minister in town can't understand why Nike came to London. "It's known for gang violence and riddled with drugs. That's the worst part about this town. But the past three years the cops have been coming in so it's quieted down."
London along with other Londons across the world will be featured in an international Nike ad campaign that references the 2012 Olympic Games. The campaign is called "Find Your Greatness".
"I haven't seen the commercial yet but I've seen online and it looks great. The commercial I'm hoping is better," said James Bierman.
Locals don't expect to see increased traffic in London, a community located about ten miles southeast of Kingsburg. But no one can deny London, California has made the big time.
James Bierman received four pairs of Nikes for opening up his front yard to the film crew.
