Census numbers show minorities in the majority

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) -- The rich diversity of the Bay Area is why so many people love living here. The findings of the 2010 Census show the Bay Area is becoming even more diverse. In many cities, minorities are now the majority.

Osborne and Eva Hills remember the day they moved to Richmond. It was 1964.

"I was going to San Francisco to work on the docks and I saw all these flags and balloons," says Mr. Hills.

The retired longshoreman has seen the neighborhood change, and the U.S. Census findings come as no surprise. Richmond is now home to more Latinos than blacks.

"It doesn't surprise me because we got a kind of a kinship because years ago there was no place to go," he says. "There was red-lining and certain areas that you could go in."

The results of the 2010 Census prove what many in the Bay Area already know -- one of the most diverse places in America is becoming even more diverse.

Realtor Grace Samayoa has found a niche market. Sixty percent of her clients are Latinos who want to buy homes in Richmond.

"Most people want to be with their friends. So when they hear that Bob relocated to Richmond they want to move there, too, and they hear about the payments, they hear about the space," says Samayoa.

From San Pablo to Fremont, cities across the Bay Area are now majority minority. And it's not just Latinos. Asian communities around the Bay Area are growing at almost the same fast pace. Statewide, the Asian population grew the fastest at 31.5 percent. Latinos were right behind at 27.8 percent, while whites and blacks trailed with 6.4 percent and 1.6 percent respectively.

"There are many opportunities in the Bay Area and in California and especially the job opportunities," says Carl Chan with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

It's opportunity and the rich, colorful fabric that keeps people coming and staying.

"We need to work together as a community to have a vibrant community," says Mrs. Hills.

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richmond, census, local news, cecilia vega

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