Brief Description
El Sobrante is a semirural community in Contra Costa County situated between the towns of Richmond, Pinole, and Orinda. In Spanish, el sobrante means the surplus, but is more commonly translated as the leftovers. The name is derived from the Rancho El Sobrante, which was carved from land surrounded by Mexican land grants. Unlike many of its neighbors, El Sobrante never attracted any large company or business interest that would have determined its pattern of growth. As a result, the town was free to develop in a way that reflects the wishes and hopes of its residents. Its people take pride that their community is a quiet place with small businesses, unpretentious homes, and open space where people can walk, ride horses, or simply enjoy nature.
Learn More about the Book
El Sobrante is a semirural community in Contra Costa County situated between the towns of Richmond, Pinole, and Orinda. In Spanish, el sobrante means the surplus, but is more commonly translated as the leftovers. The name is derived from the Rancho El Sobrante, which was carved from land surrounded by Mexican land grants. Unlike many of its neighbors, El Sobrante never attracted any large company or business interest that would have determined its pattern of growth. As a result, the town was free to develop in a way that reflects the wishes and hopes of its residents. Its people take pride that their community is a quiet place with small businesses, unpretentious homes, and open space where people can walk, ride horses, or simply enjoy nature."
About the Author
Donald Bastin is the author of Images of America: Richmond and has assisted in completing the History Project of El Sobrante, which digitized existing copies of the local weekly newspaper. Aside from those obtained from the Contra Costa County Historical Society, all the photographs in this unique collection were generously donated by the local community. These vintage photographs have never been seen except by family members. Without the enthusiastic assistance of the people of El Sobrante, this work would not have been possible.
