Voices to be heard in 2010

Bureau seeking fair assessment

Some promise the rewarding of belief in change. Others paint an image of stronger community identity and responsibility. A sense of social duty, be it ethical or mandated by law, emerge from others still.

Stand up, be counted

More than 300 years ago, a group of colonies united together to break free from a ruling empire that they deemed unjust. Their slogan: "No taxation without representation."

Perfection unrealistic

Basic purpose still served despite apparent flaws

Reliability is a funny thing. Often mistakenly interchanged with perfection, the idea that something or someone can be relied on does not necessarily mean that it does exactly everything and anything it is meant to do all the time, any time.

Inspection lacks truth

Low response rates indicate abundance of erroneous data

The census is one of the most important activities American residents can participate in, but it is certainly not a reliable survey for the measurement of population growth or resource allocation.

Reduction aims for improvement

Shorter form seeks better participation

A significant and historic change was made this year to the way people fill out the census, as the previous 50-question form was reduced to a mere 10 questions, which will account for every citizen who completes the survey.

Richmond among ‘hard-to-count’

Expected growth needs accuracy

For the first time in the history of the census, the number of people living in Contra Costa County is estimated to exceed one million. History also indicates that many residents do not respond to the decennial survey, however, county officials say.

Family event spreads joy, knowledge

Iron Triangle residents visit Census Party

RICHMOND — By providing a welcoming family-oriented environment, those involved with organizing the Census Party believed they successfully informed some of this city's residents about the 2010 census.

Same-sex marriages recognized

Gay couples see first official tally

In the spirit of progression, the U.S. Census Bureau made the decision to officially tally same-sex couples and families for the first time in the national survey's history.

Ethnic diversity in constant flux

Immigration, assimilation alter identity

The population in the United States, the third largest country in the world, has experienced a dramatic shift in ethnic diversity since the decennial census was last taken in 2000.

Allocation dependent on nation’s survey

Specific needs require close, full attention

With $400 billion in federal funding per year to be distributed across the country for the next decade, approximately 10 questions may give face to key areas whose conditions demand attention the most.

Social media trigger new approach

Since its last decennial count, the U.S. Census Bureau has begun taking advantage of more social media to spark interest among one of the nation's most difficult-to-count groups — youth.

Inaccuracies fog up results

Process’ mistakes question veracity

Despite efforts to record every person in the nation, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that millions of mistakes are made each census period, particularly in surveys relating to metropolitan cities and college students.

Homeless young people left uncounted

Youth remain beneath radar

Growing up, the only issue most children have to encounter is working hard in school. Yet, a growing number of youth in Contra Costa County are faced with a larger problem — having a place to call home.