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A very muscular man sits all in black, including black bandana over his head and sunglasses.

We asked people in Richmond: Would you consider moving?

on October 25, 2023

“People of Richmond” is a regular series in which reporters pose a question to people in the community. Answers are presented verbatim, though sometimes edited for brevity.

Q: Have you seriously considered leaving Contra Costa County?

“All the time. A lot of different reasons, the cost of living is a lot more expensive than other places in the U.S., like what you get for the money. I am concerned when I have a family and kids that I won’t be able to afford it here. I’m seeking more family friendly places and I don’t think Richmond offers that.” (Maica Simpson, pictured above)


Alexandra sits at a green coffee table with her laptop, a sandwich, and a water bottle in front of her. She is wearing a black t-shirt, a black cap, and black jeans.

“When I first moved here I thought
about it, and I don’t know if this is
the place I’ll settle to live in for the
rest of my life. But for me, it’s
affordable and I like the community
here.” (Alexandra Perry, photographer)

Salu sits with a beaming smile in front of a black table. She's dressed in a light purple button-up t-shirt, paired with blue jeans, and wears sunglasses.

“I recently moved here, and I like it here. Mostly the weather, it’s neither too hot nor cold, and it’s just perfect for me. I am not sure how long I’m going to be here, but let’s see.” (Salu Singh)

“No, not really. I mean, I stayed out before and it was all right, but all my friends and family is all here.” (Sergil Ceja, handyman)

A man with long black hair pulled back and thick facial hair stands looking into the distance to the right with his arms tightly folded across a black T-shirt with a white design that his arms are covering.

“I’ve been here for 40 years. I love it because I’ve been here for a long time. I know all the people here. I have no complaints about Contra Costa County. (Carmen Santos)

Closeup of a woman's face, brown-skin, dark eyes, her lips pursed, wearing a brown fur hat that extends to her shoulders, with a black and white scarf visible.

Russel inside a food truck with a red, white, and blue banner selling sandwiches. Russel smiles at the camera, wearing a black beanie, blue t-shirt, black apron, and blue gloves.

“I just had a child, so I now live in Fairfield to be closer to my family in Sacramento. But I grew up in Richmond and Pinole my entire life. If I had the chance to move back here, I would. It’d be my first choice.” (Russell Lozano, food truck owner)

Elida is captured with a smile directed at the camera. She is stylishly attired in a green rolled-up cardigan over a purple shirt, and a lanyard hangs around her neck. Black glasses rest atop her head.

“I am considering living here for the next few years until I retire. I like Richmond but am not really happy to stay here for the rest of my days. I live in an area where there is a lot of traffic in the street, a lot of cars and action during the night time.” (Elida Landeros, librarian)

“This is where I live. I’m from Chicago. No need for me to leave. I worked at the Chevron oil refinery for 11 years, I also did in-home care for autistic people. I hit the lotto in Richmond. Possibilities are anywhere.” (Bruce Orlando Finley, retired)

A man in a black shirt, jeans and gray fleece jacket sttared att the camera, sunglasses resting on the cap on his head, which is turned backward, holding a water bottle.

People of Richmond: What type of business does the city need more of?

1 Comments

  1. Susan Ambriz on October 26, 2023 at 11:09 am

    I left Richmond almost 2 years ago. And no desire to go back. Crime has gone up. I am currently living in Indiana. BAY AREA for me is the past.



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Richmond Confidential is an online news service produced by the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism for, and about, the people of Richmond, California. Our goal is to produce professional and engaging journalism that is useful for the citizens of the city.

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