An Eco-Village Grows in Richmond
Though it’s geographically the biggest city in Contra Costa County, Richmond gets little respect. The “City of Pride and Purpose” is, alas, perhaps best known for violence and drugs; jobs have been scarce since the city flourished during World War II as a shipbuilding center.
But all that may be changing as Richmond makes progress toward its aim of establishing itself as a green city. This morning, if all goes well, the EcoVillage Solar Installation will be dedicated, another milestone in the journey.
This month, 18 young Richmond residents are being taught the basics of solar electricity and how to install solar panels. Supervised by Bay Area solar firm Sun Light & Power, the students helped install solar panels at the eco-village at 21 Laurel Lane. Learning job skills in this hot field can be a ticket out of the cycle of joblessness and violence.
The eco-village comprises 5.6 acres of uniquely perserved, semi-rural farmland with fruit trees and a wide variety of other vegetation. Let’s hope jobs, a new image and (gasp!) eventually higher property values bloom along with the fruit trees.
Brandon said:
The Richmond city council has taken a lot of proactive steps recently in its attempts to revitalize the community and I applaud their efforts. It’s time for working class commuters to say enough is enough and move back to the East Bay and reclaim property closer to where the jobs are. A rising tide lifts all boats, and Richmond is sitting on the bottom of the bay as it is.
July 28, 2008 4:18 PM
Farrah said:
I think it’s great that you wrote an article about something positive happening in Richmond. I’ve been working with clients who really like Richmond and I’ve been impressed at some of the cute neighborhoods in north east Richmond, and Richmond Annex has been compared to Marin. Richmond is on the bart line so it’s convenient for commuters to SF and Oakland. Another great thing for buyers in Richmond is that there is so much inventory right now with all the foreclosures that prices are very low.
July 28, 2008 7:05 PM
Janis Mara said:
Hahahahaha, well put, Brandon! I couldn’t agree more. Richmond is so close in compared to Walnut Creek, Livermore or, for heaven’s sake, Tracy!
And Farrah, you warm my heart because I live in the North and East. Wide streets and lotsa sky, and as you say, close to BART. Amazing low prices, as you say, with the foreclosures.
July 28, 2008 7:23 PM