City of Wastsonville/County of Santa Cruz EC
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State: California
Counties (Census Tracts): Santa Cruz (110498)
Community Population: 3,901
Community Area: 2.25 sq. mi.
Poverty Rate: 26.7%
Unemployment Rate: 28%
Per Capita Income: $ 7,887
Education: 63 percent of the residents lack a high school diploma.
Overview
The City of Watsonville is located in the Pajaro Valley, a leading producer of berries, vegetables and cut flowers, and a population of 3,901. According to the 1990 census 78% are Hispanic,23% of the workforce employed in agriculture, not includeing ndividuals employed in food processing coolers, tractor repair, or other agriculture-related employment.
Watsonville has a population density of 1,733 per square mile which is relatively high for rural areas largely because of land use laws prohibiting the conversion of prime agricultural lands for housing. As a result, the entire agricultural labor force for the Pajaro valley lives within the city limits of Watsonville. The seasonal character and relatively low wages in agricultural production have contributed to pressing social problems such as:
- Unemployment was 27.9% in January 1995.
- Overcrowding in the area is at 45.6% is four times the state average.
- high school graduates are 37.2% of the area residents age 25 and older, less than half the state and national average.
- Violent crime is 47% above the national average and is increasing.
The farm community therefore, is committed to and has contributed financial resources and countless volunteer hours to affordable housing, emergency shelters, the food bank and other needed services. The low income Hispanic population of the area is playing a major role throughout the planning and implementation process.
A major focus of the Enterprise Community is on a Youth Job Training Program and an After School Youth Recreation/School Completion Program. A Neighborhood Watch Program will also be expanded. Programs to prevent and suppress gangs, drugs and alcohol will be coordinated within the EC. A new elementary school will be constructed in the area where no public schools now exist.
Key Activities
Economic Opportunity:
Construction of an intermodal transportation center is currently underway within the EC. The Transit Center will include a 4,000 square foot terminal building with three concessions. The 12 separate,120 square foot retail spaces, will be managed by the local Community Development Corporation (CDC). The retail facility will provide local area residents space to start their own business under the supervision of the CDC right in their own neighborhood.
A small business incubator is to be created as part of a county Transit Center and assist 15 new businesses. A Mmcro loan fund is established with the City and the Community Credit Union to provide loan guarantee funds. The Watsonville Housing Improvement Program will use CDBG funds for housing rehabilitation loans to 79 low income households who own and/or occupy substandard dwelling units within the EC and expand rehabilitation of owner and nonowner occupied housing within the EC.
The City and the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union are developing the Business Loan Guarantee Program to finance businesses who were denied commercial credit. The program will target applicants with limited or mixed credit history, insufficient collateral, small equity or working capital and mixed profitability records.
Community Building:
The youth and adults of the EC are new players in City and county planning and development efforts. There is increased dialogue with the city, the local police department and EC residents on community policing concerns for youth issues and gang problems.
Sustainable Community Development:
The Youth Job Training Program will provide up to 500 hours of on-the-job training in coordination with formal classroom training to enhance the employability of 380 youth ages 16 to 25. The After School Youth Recreation/School Completion Program will provide mentoring and recreational activities to at-risk 11 to 16 years old youth in order to reduce high school drop out rates.
Watsonville businesses making changes to conserve water and reduce waste water flows will be eligible to participate in the Commercial Water Conservation Revolving Loan Program established to reduce the amount of water demand, groundwater pumpage, and wastewater flows to the City's wastewater treatment facility.
A new elementary school will be constructed in the EC area in the new residential development. At present there is no public school in the EC. The Head Start will be expanded to increase the number of children and families served and the school year will be extended.
Major Public Sector Commitments
Local Government Resources:
$1 million from the City of Watsonville in loan guarantee funds, to be matched by $1 million from the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union to fund EC Business Loan Guarantee Program.
State Government Resources:
$2.6 million in State Department of Transportation funds for the construction of the Watsonville Transit Center/Business Incubator.
Federal Government Resources:
$1 million from the Economic Development Administration toward the construction of an office/retail small business incubator building in downtown Watsonville.
Major Private Sector Commitments
$ 50,000 grant -- Packard Foundation to fund a pilot version of the youth job training program. $1 million from Wells Fargo for a Capital Access Program
$ 750,000 -- Community and Economic Development Loan Program.
Contact:
Name: Anna Espinoza Address: 231 Union St., Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831-763-4033 Fax: 831-763-4031 Email: aespinoz@ci.watsonville.ca.us
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