Santa Paula: The Push for Digital Outreach
Every time Maria Ochoa enters the 126 Freeway on Palm Avenue or comes home after a long shift of being a caregiver, or when she’s driving around Santa Paula running errands for her family she notices the big signs for the 2020 census around the busiest streets in town.
“The sign by the freeway is like the first thing you see when you enter Santa Paula, there’s no way of missing it,” said Maria Ochoa.
Maria Ochoa, 21, has been living in Santa Paula for as long as she can remember. Most of her family also lives in Santa Paula, just like her Father alike they graduated from the same high school in town. It’s important they know the importance of the census is and participate in counting their families for every decennial count.
Ochoa continued, “I’ve also seen commercials and stuff around like when I’m watching Univision, It’s important to count the population so the government knows about the number of representatives California gets and so they know where to use the funds.”
With something as important and almost rare as the Census, it is crucial to make as many efforts possible to encourage everyone in the community to participate, as this can impact up to the following 10 years of our community.
“The results will show where communities need new schools, clinics, roads and services for families, older adults and children. If you are not counted funding could be cut in areas where it is needed most,” said Mike Powers, a Ventura County executive officer for .
Since the 2020 census is pushing for online responses, this can be an issue to those without internet access. According to the latest American Community Survey, during 2014 to 2018, it was estimated that only 23% of the population have no internet access.
In Ochoa’s case, she completed the census for her household, and for her Grandpa’s household on her cellphone.
“It was quick and easy to fill out, it was faster than taking out my laptop,” Ochoa said.
Santa Paula community leaders and non-profit organizations are now opting for digital outreach more than ever. With the coronavirus outbreak, every single public event planned to promote the 2020 Census has now been canceled or postponed until further notice.
Santa Paula Counts, a group formed by Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce and several community organizations, to ensure every person living in Santa Paula has the opportunity to be counted, has been more active on Instagram posting lots of encouragement for the community to participate with information or giveaways they are promoting.
As of May 11, based on the Census 2020 Hard to Count map, Santa Paula’s current response rates are 59% compared to 2010’s final response rate being 67%. This means the city is off to a great start especially since this year’s Census timeline is a bit different as a result of coronavirus. Meaning there is still time for the uncounted to participate.
“Right now, one of the most powerful things you can do for our community is to complete the 2020 Census,” said Powers.
Powers continued, “Your participation helps ensure that our community receives the funding it needs and is entitled to for important services and programs. A complete 2020 Census count is vital for our community members in the County of Ventura.”
In an article by the Santa Paula Times, “Ventura County ranks 59th out of 3,000 counties across the United States in terms of largest hard-to-count populations.”
Santa Paula City Councilman Andy Sobel, said, “the effort in Santa Paula has included aggressive marketing of social meeting, handing out fliers and other means of encouraging participation. Phone banking will soon start and radio spots will be aired to encourage being counted.”
Sobel continued, “it really means a lot to our community, all of our community.”
To learn more about the Census, visit the county’s website dedicated to making sure everyone gets counted.
