Episode Ten: Way-North Jobs

California District One Media

Here in California, District One is unique for its size and demographics. It consists of eleven counties making up a vast tract of land, a fifth of the state, yet it makes up only 3 percent of its population. Unlike its dense and diversified urban neighbors, 86 percent of the population here is white, with 20 percent living below the poverty line. In the far-North unemployment rates can run as high as 16 percent. A remarkable 18 percent of its sparse, rural population lives on Disability. One half of the population depends on Obamacare or Medi-Cal for their health coverage. One third of households living below the poverty line are run by single moms with children. And while the region struggles economically and socially, in November District One voted overwhelmingly for the billionaire Donald Trump. Being left behind by the new economy, rural Californians are seeking new, disruptive ways of governing in hopes of bringing prosperity to the region. But with broken campaign promises piling up, and the GOP’s commitment to defund healthcare, education, economic stimulus, and forest services that so many in our district depend on, it begs to ask - Is this the right plan for us? Congressman Doug LaMalfa blames the high unemployment rates in his district on government environmental protections and overreach on public lands. He has voted repeatedly to allow corporations unchecked industrial abuse of forests and water in trade for job stimulus. However, recent census data highlights the diminished role timber and mining play in our local economy, making up only 4 percent of employment district-wide. But it’s not regulations holding us back, it’s growing automation, advancements in technology, and foreign competition that’s slowing local timber and mining job growth. Instead, California’s protected beauty and resources have proven to be a job creator. While timber and mining sectors continue to downsize, hospitality, construction, and real estate jobs in the District dominate the economy, making up 45 percent of employers. We need leadership that develops a modern rural economy, one built on transportation, telecommuting, medical services, green energy and small businesses. Candidates running for Congress in 2018 are looking to the future to leverage the area’s natural resources for job development, without having to sell off public lands to the highest bidder. Expect from these congressional candidates a fresh approach on job creation instead of the same old cry to deregulate to benefit the few. We need fresh proposals to ignite a new rural economy. Be sure to register and vote in 2018. And find us on Facebook, Itunes and Soundcloud. This is California District One Media.