How are our children doing?
In 2007, Tuolumne County was home to 11,284 children, ages 0-17,
which is less than 1% of California's child population. Compared
with all 58 counties in the state, Tuolumne ranks as follows9 regarding
issues facing our children (with a ranking of 1 being most desirable):
- 7th for children with health insurance
- 9th for elementary school students meeting state targets in English Language Arts
- 22nd for elementary school students meeting state targets in Math
- 23rd for children, ages 3 and 4, enrolled in preschool
- 27th for children in low-income households
- 51st for high school students who completed necessary coursework to attend one of California's public universities10
What are our politics?
Tuolumne County is part of California's 19th congressional
district. Our County residents are active politically, with a higher
percentage voting when compared to the state.11
In January 2008, 82.7% of the 38,290 Tuolumne County residents
eligible to vote were registered and 20,139 voted. As with most
rural counties, Republicans outnumber Democrats in Tuolumne County.12
In fact, the last Democrat to win by more than 50% of the vote
in a Presidential election in the county was Lyndon Johnson in 1964.13
WHAT ELSE?
Many aspects of our community are not quantified in this project.
However, their absence does not diminish the important contribution
they make to the uniqueness of Tuolumne County. For example, while
not specifically measured in this report, nonprofits, including
faith-based organizations, play a significant role in virtually
all aspects of community life. Their dedicated staffs and volunteers
contribute to the fabric of our communities. They graciously and
respectfully help the most needy in our county with food, shelter,
clothes, and other assistance. The nonprofits often partner with
public programs, complementing their services. Frequently, they
fill the gaps not met by public agencies to serve the critical needs
of our vulnerable populations.
Our community is also very caring and philanthropic. This is shown
every day through the outpouring of support offered to each other
and to the community as a whole. We are glad to stop and let a driver
turn left in front of us on Sonora's main street.
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