San Pablo, California

SAN PABLO, CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, LOCALLY I n West Contra Costa County, just a short drive from neighboring Bay Area cultural centers of Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco, San Pablo is an example of a small city doing big things. One of the oldest Spanish settlements in the region, this “City of New Directions” has become a thriving hub of diverse, sociable engagement, business opportunity, and green ecology, as well as a leading player in catalyzing and nurturing positive change for its 30,000 residents. Two years ago, San Pablo received the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize, which recognizes innovative efforts to advancing health, opportunity, and equity, having been up against 211 outstanding cities for the accolade. Today, the City is still providing low- to moderate-