Point Richmond, Richmond, California

File:5 w richmond.jpgPoint Richmond is a neighborhood in southwestern Richmond, California at the base of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. It is known for being quaint and for its smalltown charm and village feel. It is served by AC Transit line 72M, which terminates in Point Richmond, and by Golden Gate Transit's commuter route 42 and express route 40 to San Rafael Transit Center in Marin County.

There was a great controversy in 2002 over a proposed and eventually built Starbucks coffeehouse in the neighborhood. Many residents feared that the opening of a corporate chain store would dampen a much loved way of life and cherished independent "mom and pop" commercial sector.

Point Richmond and Brickyard Cove This area is known trhoughout the area for its quaint small town feel, and as being the nicest area of Richmond. The neighborhood was the city's central downtown area during the late 1800s until the early 1900s when the present day downtown rose to prominance and superceded, The Point as the busiest part of town. However the neighborhood has maintained many of its trademark mom n' pop shops and has fiercely resisted large chain stores from moving in; including a lost battle to Starbucks Coffee. The neighborhood is situated in the Southwestern corner of the city between Interstate 580 and the San Francisco bay at the foot of the Richmond-San Rafael bridge. There is a large hill which the "town" is built around on three sides. Many houses including historic Victorians adorn the view. Many of the area businesses are housed in century old buildings dating back to before the founding or incorporation of town. The Plunge, is a local landmark swim center, or Natatorium. The hill overhead is Miller-Knox regional park. There is a tunnel through this hill named Ferry Point tunnel, since trains used to drop passengers off here to continue onto San Francisco by ferries, before bridges connected the shores of the bay. The area on this side of the tunnel is known as Brickyard Cove. The Cove is home to Keller Beach, one of the only publically accessible beaches in Richmond and the adjecent area features a large picnicing and biking park area. Continuing along the road is the S.S. Red Oak Victory ship which is part of a local National Historic Monument; it is a restored Victory ship made in the city during World War II. Further along lies the Brickyard Cove Yacht club one of many marinas in the city, but by far the most exclusive. There are condiminiums and brand new luxury tract homes terraced into the hills as well as McMansions on stilts along two Spits. The condo's amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court, sauna, and spa.

External links

• Point Richmond History Association