Where have all the young people gone? That was a question writer Joan Hammel had when she went to concerts and coffee shops that were once filled with pink hair, piercings, and tatts and now were seas of gray. So she dug into the census and found news that was shocking to longtime residents. Santa Cruz has aged. A lot.
“Since 2010, the population aged 65–84 grew faster in Santa Cruz County than anywhere else in California — increasing by 80.9%, according to 2020 U.S. Census data cited by the Seniors Council of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties,” she writes.
“In the years leading up to 1965, when UC Santa Cruz opened, Santa Cruz was known as a quiet coastal retirement and resort town with conservative-leaning politics.
That changed quickly.
By 1970, Santa Cruz County had become a young, family-heavy community. More than 35% of residents were under 18, while fewer than 10% were over 65. Today, only about 18% of county residents are under 18. Nearly half are 45 or older, and about 20% — one in five residents — are now 65 or older.”
Despite having some 25,000 students attending UCSC and Cabrillo, they aren’t staying here. They can’t afford to. Years back, that’s what you did. Studied and then started or joined a local business. Now, so many have to move away to afford a place to live.
What can we do about it? That’s the big question.
Developers are building more housing, but is it affordable for young people? Not so much, based on the census numbers.
Schools are struggling because young families are moving elsewhere and even teachers can’t afford to live here.
On the flip side, the older people who remain such a large part of the population are living their high school dreams, playing in bands, surfing, skateboarding, going to gyms and yoga classes. You can read about that in our 50-plus magazine, which comes out this week.
What are your suggestions for keeping Santa Cruz weird and young? Drop us a line at ed****@*******es.sc. Your suggestions matter!!
Speaking of good times, I love the fervor of the international soccer community all over the U.S. but the thing that’s brought me the most joy is watching the Japanese fans pick up trash at the stadiums after the games. Other countries have followed. It amazes me how considerate and sophisticated they are and very much the opposite of U.S. fans. Can you imagine us doing that? It would certainly make us a better place. Why not?
People keep claiming we are the best country ever. Having some morals and behavior like this would back it up more than boasting.
Have a great week and thanks for reading.
Brad Kava | Editor
PHOTO CONTEST
JUST FLEW BY This Great Heron was spotted at the UCSC Arboretum. Photograph by Jo Koumouitzes
GOOD IDEA
Waste Free Santa Cruz is proud to support Plastic Free July for the second consecutive year, joining millions of people around the world, in one of the largest global movements to reduce plastic pollution and support public health.
This July, residents, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations are invited to make simple changes that collectively create lasting impact. By refusing unnecessary single-use plastics and embracing reusable alternatives, every individual can help protect our beaches, waterways, wildlife and community. Take the official Plastic Free July Pledge at plasticfreejuly.org
Everyone is encouraged to take the official Plastic Free July Pledge on July 1 and become part of the movement.
GOOD WORK
16 California airports will receive $107 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants to modernize airport infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen the state’s aviation system. Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding will be used to invest in infrastructure projects such as runway and taxiway rehabilitation, lighting and signage upgrades, noise mitigation, and other critical infrastructure improvements, including
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport — $28.1 million: This project rehabilitates 10,520 feet of existing paved Taxiway W to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.
San Jose Mineta International Airport — $11.5 million: This project constructs a new 6,735 foot paved Taxiway V to allow access to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
