In 1990, 266,406 people living in Anaheim filled out a census form.

About 7,300 didn’t.

Because they weren’t counted, everyone in Anaheim lost out.

Our schools could have become better.

Our neighborhoods could have become safer.

We could have reached out further to seniors, the disabled and people in need.

When all was said and done, it was estimated that Anaheim could have received an additional $1.5 million into Anaheim for community needs – if everyone had only spokenup.

That was ten years ago. This time the stakes are even higher.

In the next few weeks, every home in Anaheim will receive a form for Census 2000. It’s important for everyone who is living here to be counted. It doesn’t matter if theyare the latest newborn, the oldest senior, or friends living in a sparebedroom.

This count will set funding levels for the next ten years. The Census Bureau is estimating that Anaheim will receive $200 a year in funding for every man, womanand child who stands up to be counted. That adds up.

If a single household with five people fails to return the form, and they remain uncounted, our community could lose out on almost $10,000 over the next ten years.And that’s just one household. An accurate census of everyone living inAnaheim ensures that money you paid in taxes will come back to you inimportant services such as education, police and fire protection, housingand neighborhood improvements.

A number of community groups are teaming to get everyone in Anaheim involved. "We are telling the Latino community it is okay to stand up and be counted," says Amin David, President of Los Amigos, a Latino advocacy group. "Thishas nothing to do with any other government agency. The information thatis being gathered is very private. We need to have an accurate count."

Filling out the census form has a direct impact on everyone’s quality of life. It tells decision-makers things like which neighborhoods need new schools and which ones need greater services for the elderly. The results are important to everyone.

Anaheim Benefits through the Census

Many improvements and services are a direct result of funding based on the census taken in 1990:

• Public safety has improved with funding based on Census information. Mobile computers are being installed in 111 Anaheim Police cars. The computerswill provide important on-the-scene information such as criminal historiesof suspects and outstanding warrants. Officers will also have the abilityto file paperless reports in the field, leaving more time to activelypatrol the City. Census data helped justify funding the hiring of 13full-time and 4 part-time clerical staff. These changes will allow Anaheimpolice officers the ability to spend more time on the street, and lesstime in the office.

• Schools receivefunding for repairs and maintenance based on Census data. ThomasJefferson Elementary added a new community shelter and modern playgroundequipment. Adelaide Price School installed 34 temporary classroomsand construction on their new school building is underway. The Kidsin Action Program at Ben Franklin Elementary School providestutoring, homework assistance, self-esteem building and supervised healthand fitness activities.

• The Anaheim Boys and Girls Club provides after-school recreation and education programs that provide an alternative to gang involvement.

• The Jeffrey-Lynne Community Center received funds for a community shelter, new play equipment, fencing, a patio area, and center staffing. It continues to provide a place for neighborhood meetings, literacy programs, intervention,and health programs.

• Over 43,000 residents used the Bookmobile last year. It brings library services to low income areas and areas with limited access to libraries.

• The Anaheim Inter-Faith Shelter is able to provide emergency shelter to people in crisis.

• Anaheim senior residents can now gather in comfort at the Downtown Community Center.

• Through a Community Development Block Grant, residents in the Anaheim Colony District approved a plan to install historic lighting on Walnut, Chestnut, Cherry and Center Streets.

Frequently AskedQuestions

I am not a citizen of the United States. Should I fill out the census form?
Yes. The purpose of the census is to count everyone who is living here, regardless of citizenship status.

Is my informationkept private?
Yes.Your information is confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot shareyour answers with anyone, including welfare agencies, the Immigrationand Naturalization Service, the Internal Revenue Service, courts, policeor the military. Not even the President of the United States is permittedto look at individual census records.

What happens if I don’t fill it out?
Itis important that everyone is counted. If your household does not respond,census takers will attempt to contact you directly. If you remain uncounted,you may cause your local community to miss out on Federal funds. Thismoney is used to provide everything from schools and job training to servicesfor the elderly.

How might I use census information?
Individual records are held confidential for 72 years, but you can request a certificatefrom past censuses that might be used to help you qualify for a pension,establish citizenship or obtain an inheritance. In 2072, your great-grandchildrenmay want to use census information to research your family history. Rightnow, your children may be using census information to do their homework.

Are there any Census jobs available?
Yes.The Census Bureau is actively seeking applicants for paid positions andvolunteers to staff facilities and conduct the census. Call 1-888-325-7733for more information about Census 2000 jobs.

Organizations
Some of the groups that are supporting Census 2000 in Anaheim
The City of Anaheim
Anaheim Chamber of Commerce
Anaheim City School District
Anaheim Union High School District
Magnolia School District
Centralia School District
Savanna School District
Placentia-Yorba Linda School District
North Orange County Community College District
North Orange County R.O.P.
Los Amigos
Anaheim Human Services Network
Anaheim Religious Council
Sarang Community Church
Project Dignity
Anaheim Community Services Board
Anaheim Employment Development Department
Walnut Neighborhood Council
Citron/Haster Neighborhood Council
West Anaheim Neighborhood Council
West Anaheim Neighborhood Development
Anaheim Hills Planned Community Association

Contacts:

City of Anaheim PlanningDepartment - (714) 765-5139
Census 2000 – www.census.gov
Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060                                                                                                        more city news

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