Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1515721
California's latest demographics data shows that Latinos make up a majority of the state's younger population. The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, estimates that in 2022 52% of children under 18 and 50.4% of young adults 18–24 in California are Latinx. By contrast, Californians over 65 are 21.9% Latinx and 52.8% white. In a January fact sheet titled "California's Population," PPIC reports that the American Community Survey also found that over 10 million Californians are immigrants (and according to another PPIC report, nearly half [46%] of California children have one immigrant parent): • 27% of Californians are foreign born — more than twice the share in the rest of the nation (12%). (New Jersey, New York and Florida also have relatively high shares.) • More than half (54%) of foreign-born Californians are naturalized U.S. citizens, compared to 39% in 2000. • Most other immigrants are legal permanent residents. The Golden State lost 433,000 people between July 2020 and July 2023, according to the state Department of Finance, with 47 of 58 counties experiencing population declines. The declines have ramifications for school enrollment — especially in Los Angeles and rural areas, which are seeing big decreases, while the Inland Empire and Sacramento are growing. To see the full fact sheet, visit ppic.org/publication/californias-population. Community Schools at Work I N J A N U A R Y, "Inside California Education," a public television series that explores public education, aired a segment on how one community school in Anaheim is addressing the "food desert" in its neighborhood. "Connecting & Feeding the Community " describes how Magnolia Agriscience Community Center on the Magnolia High School campus has developed expansive gardens whose fruits and vegetables provide a healthy alternative for students, families and community members. Magnolia uses the gardens to bring in and work with community members and organizations. It collaborates with partners such as UC Irvine and CSU Fullerton to teach students about science, sustainable food practices and ecological issues, and to offer job training and work experience. Watch the video at insidecaled.org. For more on CTA's work with community schools, visit cta.org/communityschools. California's Changing Demographics A student, above, describes the impact of the Magnolia High School gardens on students, families and community. 11 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 24