The latest U.S census figures, not surprisingly, have shown significant increases in Petaluma's Latino population as well as decreases in the city's white population. And, as with the rest of the state, that trend is expected to accelerate. Today, nearly one-third of the children in the city's elementary schools are of Latino descent, and approximately 60 percent of the births at Petaluma Valley Hospital are to Latino mothers.
Clearly, a significant demographic shift is underway that raises many questions: How well are city schools positioned to properly educate an increasing number of students for whom English is a second language? How will these demographic changes affect Petaluma's larger businesses' ability to find future employees with the skill sets necessary to compete on a global scale? Politically, how well are the needs of Petaluma's growing Latino population represented in terms of important issues like housing and job development?
Most importantly, how well does our community embrace diversity and inclusion, and resist the tendency to stereotype people with different cultural backgrounds?
As we've stated before, Petaluma's Anglo and Hispanic communities often feel separated from one another. With the exception of the wonderfully enriching and inclusive Day of the Dead event in October, there is not very much interaction and communication between Hispanics and Anglos in Petaluma. This ongoing cultural separation robs the community of its full ability to solve problems due to a fundamental lack of understanding between people with different backgrounds.
Notwithstanding the larger, thornier question on how the federal government should deal with the problem of illegal immigration, it is incumbent upon Petaluma's white majority population to understand the challenges facing their Hispanic neighbors who are as much a part of the community as anyone else.
Still, Petaluma's growing diversity continues to make some people very uncomfortable. Stereotyping is easy, and giving into fear and anger all too common. Historically, particularly in times of economic distress, immigrants are often blamed for taking jobs that might otherwise go to native born residents. That sentiment, unfortunately, exists here today.
Some white residents continue to harbor strong resentments toward Hispanics, especially those who have not yet learned to speak English. However, it's important to recognize that anyone coming here from another country and culture has difficulty adjusting. The language barrier, cultural differences and economic challenges are significant hurdles to overcome. This was the certainly the case for the Italians, Swiss, Germans, Irish and others who flocked to Petaluma in the late 1800s to make new lives for themselves and their families.
It is therefore incumbent upon Petaluma's white majority population to make more of an effort to understand the challenges facing Latino residents and try to accept and appreciate cultural differences while practicing inclusion toward all. Reaching out and listening is a good first step. Promoting acceptance of diversity in the workplace, neighborhood and community at large can only strengthen the community. Not doing so can only weaken our community.
New opportunities for community dialogue are there, but not enough people are engaged in the conversation. Engaging in constructive dialogue between the Hispanic and Anglo communities has unlimited potential to foster better relationships across cultural boundaries and, over time, build a stronger, more inclusive community.
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