Richmond residents often tell us they feel disconnected to the city as a whole, so we launched an occasional series called Meet Your Neighbor to highlight people from different neighborhoods and different walks of life.
There was the determined Salvadore Valle, who started picking up trash to quiet some of his internal struggles and found himself leading a wider volunteer effort to clean up local creeks. We got fitness inspiration reading about Sharlet Gilbert, a 73-year-old woman who runs ultra-long races that last 24 to 30 hours! And we were impressed by restaurant owner Raúl Ramirez, who started out selling ice cream from a cart.
We’ll continue the series in 2026 so if there is someone we should feature, let us know by emailing hello@richmondside.org or send us a story tip.
Read about all of the nine people we wrote about this year below:
Cruising, dining and grooving in Richmond with radio DJ Jesse ‘Chuy’ Varela
Varela, one of the Bay Area’s most recognizable radio voices, and a true man-about-town, has a special affinity for Richmond.
The musical lives of Point Richmond’s Susie Davis: Accordionist, piano teacher, Sheila E keyboardist
From performing with the likes of the late Prince or Mick Jagger to giving lessons to local kids, Susie Davis has stories to tell.
Couple is podcasting from a boat in San Pablo Harbor to preserve bay history
Mike Herz, founder of SF Baykeeper, and his wife, Kate Josephs, are sharing stories about the bay from their home upon the waves.
Saying goodbye to ‘Coach Turner.’ Beloved school mentor for generations of Richmonders retires
Whether breaking up fights, mediating conflicts or simply listening, Robert Turner was a mentor who impacted generations of WCCUSD families.
Richmond barber offers a shave, a haircut and … lots of doggy treats
Meet your neighbor: Micah Bruce, co-owner of Beautiful Rebel Esthetics, shows his true character, his customers say, by doing things like treating a stray dog to a nail trim, a new sweater and a Spongebob video.
Richmond man’s time in jail inspired him to change. Now he feeds the hungry
Stan Byias of Richmond was incarcerated in Marin County when he felt a religious calling to change his life. He founded an organization that feeds the hungry and helps the unhoused.
Meet the TikToker who’s unearthing Richmond’s hidden gems
Alicia “Nunu” Freeman’s social media videos blend curiosity, love for the city, and storytelling to uplift local businesses and community pride.
War veteran lived on streets for a year. Now he helps others who are unhoused
Debilitated by PTSD from the Falklands War, Shaun Carr ended up homeless. Now he’s giving back.
Twin brothers’ podcast aims to show joy is possible in difficult times
Richmond brothers Brett and Royce Conner, who are fighting the same type of cancer, started a podcast that aims to turn their candid, unscripted conversations into something that celebrates their relationship and spreads positivity.
Very proud to be a part of the Richmond community and grateful to Richmondside for helping me learn and connect with so many of my amazing neighbors. This is a city with fight, spirit, and hunger.