Castro Valley Diversity

Editor,

While eating out at the Cannery at Castro Valley Market Place the other evening, I was struck by the diversity of people who dined there, as well as who went into the marketplace.  CV has come a long way since the 60s -80s, when it was primarily a white, blue collar community that was a home to staunch Raider fanatics.  Tables were filled with Asians, Blacks, East Indians, Hispanics, Afghanis, and several of European ancestry.  This diversity can be seen throughout the community, as it is exhibited in coffee houses, grocery stores and other commercial outlets.  New ethnic restaurants are sprouting up, as well as ethnic specialty stores.  An international food store is also opening up soon.  So far, the community has been gracious in its acceptance of the changes, and I hope to see it continue.  The diversity will enhance our community, and contribute to it’s social and cultural ambiance.

–Robert Thomas, Castro Valley