Lashonda W

City of Richmond, California

The City of Richmond is home to diverse neighborhoods, inter-modal transit hubs, pristine marinas, shopping, recreational and cultural amenities, and 32 miles of trail-lined shoreline. This all contributes to making Richmond among the most desirable up-and-coming communities in California. The City of Richmond is committed to investing in its residents to build a healthy community and strong future employment base. Richmond recently launched the Richmond Promise to dedicate $35 million over 10 years to provide college readiness support and scholarships for Richmond residents graduating from local schools. Richmond is also known for celebrating its rich history. The Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historic Park, one of the few urban parks in the country managed by the National Park Service, highlights Richmond's prominent role in the World War II home front effort. Richmond has over 32 miles of the Bay Trail, exceeding all other cities on this planned 500-mile walking and biking route encircling the San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay. The Bay Trail offers access to commercial, industrial, and residential neighborhoods; points of historic, natural and cultural interest; recreational areas including beaches, marinas, fishing piers, boat launches, and more than 130 parks and wildlife preserves. The ethnic and cultural diversity of Richmond residents is a major asset as no single ethnic group comprises a majority. Large percentages of the population are of African American, Latin American, European and Asian descent, with Native American and Pacific Islander heritages also represented. Approximately one third of the community is foreign born, with 45% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.