A Census Caravan will be rolling through Richmond and San Pablo today starting at noon in order to promote participation in the 2020 Census.
The two-hour-long caravan will begin at San Pablo City Hall and end at Richmond City Hall. It will make its way through hard-to-count communities that have not yet been counted, particularly those in Spanish-speaking communities. That includes San Pablo Old Town, Richmond’s Iron Triangle, North Richmond and Southside.
“We encourage residents to come outside with a mask and wave to the caravan from a safe social distance,” organizers said. “Then they can take a selfie and post it with the hashtag #2020Census.”
The caravan will ensure proper social distancing, officials said.
Speakers at today’s event include San Pablo Mayor Arturo Cruz, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia and Richmond High School Principal Jose de Leon. Mayors Cruz and Butt and San Pablo Vice Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado will be riding in the caravan.
The main messages from the event: It’s not too late for families to get counted online, by phone, or by mail, and every person counts, no matter what their documentation status, nationality and location.
“City officials want to see Richmond and San Pablo get a complete and accurate account,” organizers said. “Richmond’s self-response rate is at 63 percent and San Pablo’s is 58.5 percent.”
Schedule:
Saturday, May 30, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
10:30 a.m. – Meet at San Pablo City Hall, 13831 San Pablo Ave., review social distancing practices, decorate Census Caravan cars, and take photos.
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Statements by San Pablo Mayor Arturo Cruz and County Supervisor John Gioia.
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Drive the route and make noise for the Census! Route is attached to this release.
Note: Rain is forecast for Saturday morning, bring good rain gear!
