Ahh, our dreams of future retirement and the golden years. We all have them. For a lot of us they'll come true. For others it'll miss the mark. But the dream is there.

Even though many oldsters come to East Contra Costa for their retirement, random interviews indicate that most of the folks who live here have their dream elsewhere. Locals were asked this question. When you retire where would you like to live?

"I want to get away from the chaos here. I want to relax, go fishing, snorkeling, and have good entertainment available. I want to retire in Hawaii," said Chris Borroneo of Pittsburg. "I've had this dream for years."

Kris Landry, of Antioch, also chooses Hawaii. "I want to live on Maui. I went to college there," she said. "I've traveled all over the world and Maui is the most beautiful place I've ever been to. I truly love the local people. But, if I have to settle for a second choice it would be South Lake Tahoe."

Greg Christiansen of Brentwood wants to get back to nature for his retirement. "Medford, Oregon is for me because it's close to wilderness. It has outdoor activities I love, including hiking. It's a better quality of life with a minimum of pollution," he said.

Sue Avila of Oakley has similar thoughts. "My choice is southern Oregon or the area around Yreka near the Rogue River," she said. "I'm from that area and have lots of family and friends there. The hills are lovely and you have four real seasons.

"My husband wants Florida, but I'd prefer Montana. It's really as simple as this ... Florida is hot and Montana is cold," said Kelly James of Brentwood. "I've never been to Montana, but the pictures are awesome. It is a place where the open spaces truly are grand. ... Money will have a lot to do with where we finally retire."

Christian Mendenhall of Oakley said this. "Why would anyone want to live away from Northern California? I'd like to retire somewhere in the North Bay or near the coast. Sebastopol looks good. The days aren't too hot and the nights not too cold. The area has a lot of natural beauty."

Dave McCoy lives in Discovery Bay and wants to stay there forever. "I'm a boater and believe in play where you live," he said. "We have an easier lifestyle. We're out of the mainstream but still close to it. The people are friendly. The pace of life is easier. The weather is good, and fine medical facilities are close by. I'd just as soon go on living here when I stop working."

There's no joy in the retirement dreams of Laura Wilson of Oakley. "I don't think I'll ever be able to retire. I can't afford it," she said. "I'm out of work and have no savings. It's depressing. But if there somehow is a windfall, I would like to live out my life in a cottage on the San Joaquin Delta and have a small pleasure boat."

Contact Ed Arnow at BrentwoodBuzz@aol.com.