North Richmond, California

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

North Richmond is an unincorporated area of 14,000 people , adjacent and nearly surrounded by Richmond, California in Contra Costa County.

History

In the early 20th Century Italian-Americans populated North Richmond. After 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 theses people moved into North Richmond and to this day most of the residents are of Black descent. Since then the area became known as the, "Ghetto of North Richmond," by the denizens themsleves. Today maintains the label as being, The Ghetto, due to its high crime and poor residents. Since the 1970s Latinos, especially Mexicans have moved into the area, and more recently Asian immigrants. The area has high-crime and high unemployment and underemployment.

Highlights

Government

The West Contra Costa Housing Authority of Contra Costa County is located in North Richmond, due to the fact that many people live in housing projects here and live on Section 8 assistance.

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 Hyphy movement of Vallejo and Oakland resonates in this community, especially with young people who many of which are aspiring rappers and singers. Hip Hop, Rap, and R&B music, like with many African American strongholds is the pillar of young peoples community here.

Public Transportation

This place is served by AC Transit bus service lines 76, 71, and 376 which is a owl service which veers off coarse in a certain area to let people offboard closer to their homes late at night. Richmond Parkway a connector between I-580 at Point Richmond and I-80 at the Hilltop area runs through the west of North Richmond.

Crime

The town is has a reputation as being extremely dangerous. It is often vilified in the media arguably with justification, as its citizens are often the victims or purpatrators of gang violance, 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, notable those who sell Marijauna. Many Richmond Sex workers which make very little money, live in the town.

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 reverands have considerable influience amoungst the populace, especially the older adults and seniors. There are several churches.

Refinary

North Richmond is next to the Chevron Oil Refinary 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 bombing campaign, that warn people to, "Shelter, Shut, and Listen," every time there is a chemical spill.

Economy

Although North Richmond has always had a bad reputation of crime and prostitution, North Richmond has a dynamic industrial history. North Richmond is home to many farms and greenhouse plants. One of the best known industries in North Richmond are Action Recycling. Action Recycling collects people's cans and bottles and give the people money.

Casino

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. Some local clergy have expressed feelings of disconcertion, 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's.