At the start of this year, Supervisor Sandra Fewer announced plans for a new “One Richmond” campaign, designed to “to uplift principles of inclusion, interconnectedness, responsibility, and supporting neighborhood resources like small businesses”.
A survey was posted online, asking residents to weigh in on the neighborhood and tell campaign designers what helps define the character of the Richmond District. The long-term goal of the One Richmond campaign is to strengthen a collective identity for the neighborhood that promotes the values of inclusiveness, compassion, community pride and shopping local.
This week, the results of the survey were released, which received just over 700 responses (93% indicated they were residents of the Richmond District). Here are some highlights:
Of those that responded, 66.4% were age 40 or older. 41% identified as White/European, and 28.4% as Asian.
Golden Gate Park was the favorite outdoor space in the neighborhood (28.4%), followed by Lands End (20.3%), and a tie for third place between Mt. Lake Park and Ocean Beach (10.1%).
When asked what landmark or building people most identify with in the neighborhood, Geary Boulevard unfortunately won out (20.6%), with architectural greats the Legion of Honor and de Young Museum following behind. The picturesque windmills only garnered 3.7% of the vote.
When asked “What brings Richmond District residents together?”, 14.2% responded that it is the outdoors and nature. Not surprising given we are bordered on three sides by parks and beaches. “Muni” came in second (thud) with “Food” and “Farmer’s Market” tied for third place with 8.5% of the votes.
Respondents’ favorite businesses? Green Apple led the way with 14.6% of votes, followed far behind by the Balboa Theater (6%) and Balboa Street’s Simple Pleasures Cafe (3.4%). Dozens more trailed further down in the results.
What distinguishes the Richmond District? Respondents said “Parks and Nature” were tops (17.2%), followed by “Ocean/Beach” and our feel of being a “Small Residential Town in a City”. Closely behind was “Quiet/Chill” (8.2%) and “Diversity” (6.6%).
Respondents were asked what could be improved in the neighborhood, and 13.4% said it was Traffic/Transit. 12.7% want cleaner streets, and nearly 8% complained about both empty storefronts and homelessness.
18.2% of respondents described the neighborhood as “quiet”, “calm”, “peaceful” and “relaxed”, while 10.8% indicated “diverse”. Close runner-ups were Bustling/Engaging/Lively (8.3%) and Friendly (7%).
Every good campaign needs a logo, so the survey asked respondents to pick the color they most associated with the Richmond District. Green came in first (25.7%), followed by Blue (21%) and Gray/Fog (14.9%). They were also asked about shapes, which garnered 23.6% of the votes for “rectangle” and 16.5% for “trees”.
If you want to see the final logo designs and vote on your favorite, stop by the Richmond District Neighborhood Center‘s Earth Day event on April 22 from 10am until 1pm.
Sarah B.