North Richmond, California

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For the suburb of Sydney, Australia, see North Richmond, New South Wales

North Richmond is an unincorporated area of 14,000 people ^{[citation needed]}, adjacent and nearly surrounded by Richmond, California in Contra Costa County.

Contents 1 History 2 Highlights 2.1 Government 2.2 Recreation 2.3 Public transportation 2.4 Crime 2.5 Religion 3 Environment 4 Economy 5 See also 6 External links

[edit] History

In the early 20th Century, Italian-Americans populated North Richmond^{[citation needed]}. During World War II, many blacks moved out west from the South and Midwest to support the war effort in the manufacturing sector, including Richmond's shipyards. Many of these people moved into North Richmond and, to this day, most of the residents are of black descent. The area became known as the, "Ghetto of North Richmond," by the denizens themselves. Today, the area maintains the label of The Ghetto, because of high crime and poor residents. Since the 1970's, Latinos, especially Mexicans, have moved into the area, and more recently, there has been an influx of Asian immigrants. The area has high-crime and high unemployment and underemployment.

[edit] Highlights

[edit] Government

The West Contra Costa Housing Authority of Contra Costa County is located in North Richmond, because many people living in housing projects here are on Section 8 assistance. North Richmond is served by the Contra Costa County Sheriff.

[edit] Recreation

Sports, especially baseball and basketball, are important activities in the neighborhood, especially for young men. They play baseball at the North Richmond Ballfield Complex and Shields-Reid Park. Baseball has been a tradition here and has been played joyfully by the residents for decades. The Bay Area's Hyphy movement also resonates in this community, especially with young people who many of which are aspiring rappers and singers. Hip hop, Rap, and R&B music, as with many African American strongholds, is the pillar of young peoples community here.

[edit] Public transportation

This place is served by AC Transit bus service lines 76, 71, and 376 which is an owl service. This line used to veer off course in a certain four to six block area around the designated path of the busline to let people off closer to their homes late at night for security reasons. AC Transit did not state why this practice was discontinued. Richmond Parkway, a connector between I-580 at Point Richmond and I-80 at the Hilltop area, runs through the west of North Richmond.

[edit] Crime

The town is has a reputation of being extremely dangerous. It is often vilified in the media arguably with justification, as its citizens are often the victims or perpetrators of gang violence, shoot outs, and drive by shootings. This is one of the main reasons for it making the evening news. Drug dealing is a common crime as is drug possession. Many criminals live in North Richmond, such as drug dealers, notably those who sell Crack. Many Richmond Sex workers, who make very little money, live in the town.

[edit] Religion

Faith is very important to many residents, especially the African American majority which maintains a strong Christian faith of varying denominations. The local pastors and reverends have considerable influence amongst the populace, especially the older adults and seniors. There are several churches.

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[edit] Environment

North Richmond is next to the Chevron Oil Refinery in Richmond. The public health risk associated with burnoff and chemical spills, especially of sulfur trioxide, are major concerns for the entire area. There is a community warning system of loud sirens, similar to those that warn of an impending air raid, that warn people to, "Shelter, Shut, and Listen," every time there is a chemical spill. The Richmond dump is also in a tiny strip of Richmond that runs through the town.

[edit] Economy

Although North Richmond is notorious for crime and prostitution, with plenty of justification, North Richmond also has a dynamic industrial history. The community is home to many farms and greenhouses. When riding along the Richmond Parkway, thousands of flowers are visible from the expressway in and surrounding greenhouses. An important industry in this town is Action Recycling which collects bottles and cans from residents in exchange for money for each unit.

A Native American tribe, the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians of Lake County, has proposed a casino on a 28 acre site which they have purchased. Although some local clergy have expressed feelings of distress^{[citation needed]}, the impoverished community has generally welcomed the project as a good revenue source. One of the sticking points that has won over many residents is outreach by the tribe. This outreach has especially focused on comparing their people's struggle to that of black people.

[edit] See also

Casino Propostals

[edit] External links

• Wikimapia aerial map of North Richmond