Though it’s geographically the biggest city in Contra Costa County, Richmond gets little respect. The “City of Pride and Purpose” is, alas, perhaps best known for violence and drugs; jobs have been scarce since the city flourished during World War II as a shipbuilding center.

But all that may be changing as Richmond makes progress toward its aim of establishing itself as a green city. This morning, if all goes well, the EcoVillage Solar Installation will be dedicated, another milestone in the journey.

This month, 18 young Richmond residents are being taught the basics of solar electricity and how to install solar panels. Supervised by Bay Area solar firm Sun Light & Power, the students helped install solar panels at the eco-village at 21 Laurel Lane. Learning job skills in this hot field can be a ticket out of the cycle of joblessness and violence.

The eco-village comprises 5.6 acres of uniquely preserved, semi-rural farmland with fruit trees and a wide variety of other vegetation. Let’s hope jobs, a new image and (gasp!) eventually higher property values bloom along with the fruit trees.

Photo of EcoVillage Farm taken from site.