Well-Being Assessment of Communities in the Klamath Region

Page 13: North Coast Subregion

Page 14: Modoc Plateau Subregion

Page 15: Northern Sacramento Valley Subregion

Page 16: Rogue Subregion

Page 17: Siskiyou Corridor Subregion

Page 18: Trinity Subregion

Page 19: Summary

Page 20: References

Results and Discussion

Variation in factors contributing to well-being by aggregation

The socioeconomic status and capacity of aggregations also vary considerably across the Klamath region and within each of the subregions. The color plates included with this report show socioeconomic status and community capacity by aggregation for each of the six subregions. The following discussion identifies some of the factors affecting socioeconomic status and well-being in each of the 130 aggregations across the region. Aggregation discussions are organized by subregion and are preceded by tables listing each aggregation along with the socioeconomic score, capacity rating, and population. Low socioeconomic scores highlight a range of societal needs within aggregations. Low capacity scores indicate a reduced ability of local communities to effectively address those needs and to self-develop.

North Coast Subregion

This area includes Del Norte and Humboldt, the two coastal counties in the study. Two-thirds of the population resides in five aggregations, Crescent City in Del Norte, and Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, and McKinleyville in northern Humboldt County. Residents of southern Humboldt County view themselves as politically and socially distinct from the northern part of the county, and are concerned that their seven percent of the total county population receives incommensurate services.

The population of the North Coast subregion has the second highest poverty rate in the Klamath region and the second highest percentage of children over 15 years of age in households receiving public assistance income. Six out of the ten aggregations in the Klamath region with the highest poverty rates, and seven out of the ten aggregations with the highest percentage of children over 15 years of age in households receiving public assistance income are in the North Coast subregion. Five aggregations are common to both groups: Alderpoint/Blocksburg/Harris, Avenue of the Giants Communities, Honeydew/Petrolia, Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, and Yurok. In contrast, the North Coast subregion includes eight out of the ten aggregations with the highest educational attainment scores in the Klamath region.

TABLE 6: North Coast subregion socioeconomic status and community capacity scores

Aggregation	Population	Socioeconomic Score (1 to 7)	Capacity Score (1 to 5)
Alderpoint/Blocksburg/Harris	958	1	2
Arcata	16,887	3	5
Avenue of the Giants Communities	2,316	2	2
Bayside/Jacoby Creek	2,276	6	5
Blue Lake	2,885	5	4
Bridgeville/Dinsmore	672	2	1
Carlotta/Hydesville	2,167	5	3
Crescent City	13,836	3	3
Ettersburg/Shelter Cove/Whitethorn	1,203	4	2
Eureka	42,549	4	4
Ferndale	2,860	5	5
Fickle Hill/Kneeland	1,027	5	4
Fieldbrook	872	6	3
Fields Landing/King Salmon	3,481	5	2
Fort Dick	4,775	4	3
Fortuna	10,329	4	5
Gasquet Area	685	5	2
Hiouchi/Big Flat	752	6	3
Honeydew/Petrolia	439	2	3
Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation	2,143	1	2
Klamath Area (Del Norte)	1,387	3	1
Loleta	1,449	4	3
McKinleyville	10,968	4	4
Orick Area	503	2	2
Orleans	712	4	1
Patrick's Point/Trinidad	1,806	6	4
Pepperwood/Redcrest	419	6	3
Redway/Garberville/Benbow	3,019	4	4
Rio Dell	3,326	2	2
Scotia	927	3	5
Smith River Area	2,025	3	2
Westhaven	895	3	3
Willow Creek	1,582	3	1
Yurok	448	1	1

Total/Average	142,578	3.7	2.9

Alderpoint/Blocksburg/Harris — population: 958

This aggregation consists of several small, isolated communities. Primary community services for the area are located in Alderpoint. They include a school, a Healthy Start sponsored community center, a senior services building, and a store. Residents are a mix of long-time residents and back-to-the-landers, and show a high degree of self-reliance that serves as a survival strategy, but at the same time, reduces collective community action. Cultural differences, stereotypes, and a long-standing feud between Alderpoint and Blocksburg reduce collective efforts and overall capacity, but neighbors still help one another. Residents are initiating work on transportation, school, and drug issues. Work skills are focused on ranching, logging and other outdoor and resource-based activities, but some people also work in cottage industries and out of their homes. At 21 percent, this aggregation has the highest percentage of non-profit workers in the region, and at 35 percent, one of the lowest percentages of private-for-profit workers. Low socioeconomic status is due primarily to the high unemployment rate of 38 percent, the second highest in the region, and a high poverty rate of 31 percent. Another 15 percent have incomes just over the poverty line. Sixty-six percent of the population has a high school education or less, and the aggregation has the second lowest average owner-occupied housing value of any aggregation ($9,296). Half of all males in the labor force are unemployed.

Arcata — 16,887

Arcata is one of the highest capacity aggregations in the region. It is a vibrant community with many well-educated, innovative residents with a variety of technical, artistic, and entrepreneurial skills. Thirty-five percent have a four-year college degree or graduate-level education, which is one of the highest percentages in the subregion. Arcata has good infrastructure, including a well laid-out downtown area, parks, ample industrial space, in addition to Humboldt State University, which draws a wide variety of support businesses and services. There are numerous events, social organizations and committees which address local issues. High poverty, high poverty intensity and a low rate of home ownership, one of the lowest in the subregion, due primarily to the large student population, lead to medium-low socioeconomic status. With the second largest population in the subregion, Arcata also has the second largest population in poverty of any in the region. The poverty rate is 27 percent, and 73 percent of the people in poverty have incomes less than 75 percent of the poverty line. Reflective of its high capacity, Arcata residents were described as willing to "break the law to help people." The community actively works to help those in poverty with its Food for People Program. The new city council does not work well together, however, and has led to some division within the community.

Avenue of the Giants Communities — 2,316

This aggregation consists of several distinct tourist-oriented communities that have their own water and sewer system, post office, and small commercial district that line the Avenue of the Giants (Redwood) highway. Miranda is the primary community along the Avenue of the Giants, and has a junior and senior high school; Weott has an elementary school. Limited cohesiveness, reluctance to engage collectively, and limited opportunity for development because of the predominance of public land reduce overall capacity. Many of the residences are built on a flood plain and have suffered recent flood damage. Social functions in the communities are built around the churches and granges in Miranda, Redcrest and Weott, and the volunteer fire department and Healthy Start community center in Weott. The Avenue of the Giants Coalition attempted to get residents of the communities to talk about and plan for the future, but participation was limited. Phillipsville and Myers Flat have lower human capital than Weott and Redcrest, which include more state park and school professionals. Twelve percent of all those employed in the aggregation, the fourth highest in the region, are state employees. Thirty-five percent of residents are in poverty, which is the third highest percentage in the subregion. Fifty-six percent of children under 15 years old live in households receiving public assistance income, which is the second highest in the subregion and region. Fifteen percent of occupied housing, the fifth highest in the region, is composed of family households with children and no spouse.

Bayside/Jacoby Creek — 2,276

Bayside/Jacoby Creek is an affluent bedroom community of Arcata with high capacity and one of the highest socioeconomic scores in the North Coast subregion. As a group, residents are the most highly educated in the subregion: 39 percent have a four-year degree or additional graduate education, while another 34 percent have some college or an Associate degree. Sixty-nine percent of the population 16 years of age and over are part of the labor force, one of the highest levels of employment in the region. Over 36 percent of the households have incomes over $50,000, and 57 percent of the households have some dividend income, which is one of the highest aggregation totals in the region. The area has the second highest average value of owner-occupied housing units of any aggregation ($110,450). Additional development is limited by land restrictions. Residents work together in local churches, the local land trust, and a stream restoration group.

Blue Lake — 2,885

Blue Lake residents recently supported the development of an industrial park, developed a community plan and secured grant funds to continue downtown revitalization. This community has experienced some polarization over downtown revitalization, but dialogue on controversial issues as well as capable local leadership exist. A lawsuit over an aging sewer system threatens the community financially, but has drawn little response. The aggregation has one of the lowest percentages of people in poverty in the subregion.

Bridgeville/Dinsmore — 672

The Bridgeville/Dinsmore aggregation is remote, sparsely populated, and has limited phone and electric service. A number of the poor quality roads in the area are out of service in the winter. Physical infrastructure limitations and the isolation of residents, who do not often work collectively, reduce overall capacity. The town of Bridgeville, which is owned by one family and has been for sale for a number of years, is in decline. Nevertheless, some recently initiated community planning efforts show promise, and the Healthy Start program has improved capacity. This resource-based aggregation has been affected by the loss of timber jobs. Unemployment is two and half times the regional average, and 34 percent of the residents are in poverty. The aggregation has one of the lower socioeconomic scores in the subregion. Seventeen percent of the working population is employed in the transportation sector, four times the regional average, and 28 percent are employed as operators, fabricators or laborers, 10 percent higher than the regional average. Self employment is over twice the regional average of 14 percent.

Carlotta/Hydesville — 2,167

Carlotta/Hydesville is a bedroom community of Eureka/Fortuna with a number of second homes, and somewhat limited access. Commercial activity is limited to a couple of stores, a Pacific Lumber mill, and a state park. Residents have better than average skills, and many work in Eureka and Fortuna. The aggregation has a medium-high socioeconomic status. Residents enjoy the rural nature of the area, and do not work closely with one another.

Crescent City — 13,836

Crescent City is the most populated aggregation in Del Norte County, and the third most populous aggregation in the subregion. It is the county seat and service center of Del Norte, and the location of a community college. It has good public transportation, but sewer and water problems limit growth, and many empty stores line downtown streets. Thirty-one percent of children under 15 years of age live in households receiving public assistance. With the opening of Pelican Bay State Prison, Crescent City has become more of a prison-based town than the timber- and fishing-based community it used to be. Thirteen percent of the work force is employed in the government administration sector, which is nearly three times the regional average. Crescent City receives revenues from the prison located in Fort Dick. The community remains divided, however, on the issue of the prison: some residents support its presence for the purpose of work and growth, while others resisted its construction and continue to disapprove of its presence. Disagreements over the prison prevent residents from uniting around community goals. Crescent City is still considered the hub for the fishing industry in Del Norte county, yet only four percent of the population is employed in farming, fishing or forestry occupations, compared to the regional average of ten percent. A total of seven percent of Crescent City's population is Hispanic, the sixth largest total in the region. It also has the sixth largest Indian population of any aggregation.

Ettersburg/Shelter Cove/Whitethorn — 1,203

This aggregation consists of three distinct communities. Ettersburg lacks sharp boundaries, as residents are scattered throughout the Telegraph Ridge area. Despite their dispersed homesites however, residents identify with the Ettersburg community and come together on issues concerning the volunteer fire department and the K-3 school. Shelter Cove is a former fishing village that has become a retirement community. Residents include retirees who own property in the area and young people who work locally. The community has good infrastructure, including water and sewer, an effective fire district, hotels, subdivisions, and a newspaper. Whitethorn was known historically as a "rough, old-west" town, and was primarily dependent on the timber industry. In-migration of back-to-the-landers has changed the complexion of the town. Whitethorn has a grange, K-5 school, store, post office, monastery, county and state parks, and several businesses. Residents of this aggregation are economically and educationally diverse. Shelter Cove residents generally have higher education levels than those in other communities of the aggregation, but a number of highly-educated leaders are dispersed throughout the aggregation. Residents come together primarily for the local volunteer fire departments and schools. Residents of Shelter Cove work better together than those in other communities. They have organized a resort improvement district, community center, welcome wagon, fire department, local newsletter, and an informal meals-on-wheels program. The aggregation has a poverty rate of 26 percent, unemployment is twice the regional average, and just under 30 percent of all households, the fourth highest in the region, receive public assistance income. Thirty-three percent of workers are in professional or related occupations, which is the sixth highest level in the region.

Eureka — 42,549

Eureka is the county seat of Humboldt, the most populous aggregation in the subregion and a center for retail and services in northwest California. The community has a variety of businesses, a harbor, and a renovated "old-town" district. Development opportunities are limited, in part because of the lack of available land and contamination of many of the available industrial sites. Eureka residents are diverse, although many of the highly educated, higher income people who work in the city live outside of it. Residents are resourceful, and seem to be cohesive around schools and other organizations, but some controversy arises regarding economic development. The unemployment rate is 30 percent lower than the regional average, but due to the size of the community, it has the fourth highest unemployed population in the region; just under 1,500. At 57 percent, the community has one of the lower percentages of owner-occupied housing.

Ferndale — 2,860

The town of Ferndale has been restored to an old Victorian town, and is a tourist destination. It has good infrastructure, including sewer, water, and roads, but is located on a flood plain, and flooding is a regular problem. The high capacity of the community was demonstrated when the townspeople worked together to clean up after a recent flood, and it stems from local leadership which is focused on the well-being of the entire community. Support from the Lila Foundation is also instrumental in community capacity. Diverse, highly motivated and capable residents are able to address community challenges. Twenty-one percent of workers are self-employed, compared to a region-wide average of 14 percent. Because of the local military quarters, ten percent of people 16 years of age and over, the highest percentage in the region, are in the armed forces.

Fickle Hill/Kneeland — 1,027

Fickle Hill is another bedroom community of Eureka and Arcata, and Kneeland is a ranching community. Portions of the aggregation are isolated and residents prefer it that way. The area is popular for its 5 to 20 acre homesites, and residents are reliant on wells and septic systems. Residents include professional and business people, professors, and ranchers, with a generally high level of education: only 30 percent have a high school degree or less. Incomes are varied: 27 percent of households have incomes less than $13,000; 23 percent have incomes between $22,500 and $32,500; and 31 percent have incomes between $48,000 and $100,000. In general, residents of this area get along with each other. Kneeland has an active volunteer fire department, a neighborhood watch, and active 4-H clubs. In Fickle Hill, community activity focuses on the schools and an active watershed group.

Fieldbrook — 872

Fieldbrook is a bedroom community of Arcata, Eureka and McKinleyville. The area has a community services district, although commercial establishments are limited to a winery and a store. Developable land is limited. Fieldbrook is home to residents with various levels of education, income and housing. The socioeconomic score is one of the highest in the subregion. This aggregation has the third highest education score in the region, due primarily to the fact that 42 percent of the people have at least a four-year college degree, the highest in the region. At the same time, however, 20 percent of the residents have less than a high school education which is close to the regional average. Twenty-one percent of the residents are in poverty. Ninety percent of the households have wage income, second only to Scotia, and 53 percent of households also have dividend income, one of the highest in the region. Community action is focused on the fire department and school, and is lacking somewhat concerning other social issues. Eighty-three percent of residents live in houses which they own, the highest in the subregion.

Fields Landing/King Salmon — 3,481

The Fields Landing/King Salmon aggregation benefits from its location between Eureka and the coast. Residents rely on Eureka for commercial services. There has been major infrastructure improvements recently, including a storm drain system and beach protection/dune restoration projects. The few store-front businesses offer boat and recreational fishing services. This aggregation has the highest percentage of workers employed in non-durable goods manufacturing sectors, at just under eight percent, and, at 36 percent, the third highest percentage of workers employed in technical, sales and administrative occupations in the region. There is a limited mix of residential and industrial land, and a majority of the residential housing is of low to moderate value. The percentages of residents in poverty and children under 15 years old in households receiving public assistance are relatively low.

Fort Dick — 4,775

Pelican Bay State Prison is located in Fort Dick, but direct economic benefit from the prison is received by Crescent City. Many residents work at the correctional facility: 29 percent of the work force is employed in the government sector. Fourteen percent of the population is employed in public administration, which is three times the regional average. Prisoners account for 41 percent of the total population. Fort Dick has considerable agricultural land and limited infrastructure. There is no sewer or water, and businesses are limited to a store, gas station and restaurant. Primarily as a result of the large prison population, 34 percent of the population has less than a high school degree, one of the larger percentages in the subregion. There is also considerable substandard housing. Fort Dick has an active volunteer fire department and gives excellent support to the Redwood School.

Fortuna — 10,329

A former timber-based community, Fortuna is one of the largest aggregations in the subregion, and is experiencing rapid growth. New growth, however, is occurring at the expense of established businesses which are being pushed out by new industrial parks, businesses, hotels, and a new mall. Thirty-two percent of workers are in technical, sales or administrative occupations, which is twice the regional average of 15 percent. Twenty percent of workers are employed in sectors that manufacture durable goods, compared to the regional average of 14 percent. Only 3.5 percent remain in the agriculture, forestry or fisheries sector. As a community, Fortuna residents are creative problem-solvers and self-starters, working well together to establish an industrial park and bring in businesses. Nevertheless, some social concerns such as homelessness have not been adequately resolved. Residents address community issues and work together, particularly in efforts geared to developing the area and bringing in resources, people and attractions.

Gasquet Area — 685

Gasquet Area is a bedroom community of Crescent City with limited services. There is no sewer system and little commercial activity; infrastructure is limited to a K-8 school, water system, county airstrip, U.S. Forest Service facility, and post office. Future development is constrained because of limited available land and water. Residents of the Gasquet Area include a number of professionals and retirees. Over 40 percent of the working population is employed in government jobs, which is twice the regional average, and over half of this total are employed in local government. The poverty rate is one of the lowest in the subregion, but just under 10 percent of the households have incomes that are barely over, but no more than 25 percent above, the poverty line. Social activities in Gasquet revolve around the American Legion Hall, the school, and the church. Residents unite over issues such as fire, and have come together to set up community patrols to address fire conditions. An active community council works on projects they consider to be beneficial to the community, but many people in this sprawling area are individualistic and tend to stay to themselves.

Hiouchi/Big Flat — 752

Hiouchi is a bedroom community of Crescent City made up of many well-educated and well-to-do professionals: 31 percent have a four-year college degree or more education, and 32.5 percent are employed in professional and related service sectors. Thirty percent of the work force is in government jobs: 18 percent in local government and 10 percent in federal. Eighty percent of the homes are owner-occupied, one of the higher totals in the subregion, and the average value of owner-occupied homes is $131,528, which is the highest average value in the region. Big Flat has some high value homes by the river, but also has some less-well-to-do residents living in lower value homes. Fifty-five percent of the households have 1990 incomes of $30,000 or greater, compared to the regional average of 33 percent in this category, and only ten percent of households have incomes of under $15,000, compared to the region average of 33 percent. Despite high socioeconomic status in the aggregation, it has medium capacity, primarily because many of its well-off and self sufficient residents do not work together.

Honeydew/Petrolia — 439

This aggregation is isolated, lacks services, and is threatened by flooding and earthquakes. Residents are educated, independent and self-sufficient, and chose to live in this isolated area. Only seven percent of people under the age of 25 years old have less than a high school degree. Due to its rural character, lack of commercial district and low population, this aggregation is unique in both the subregion and the region. Just under 50 percent of workers are employed in the agriculture, forestry or fisheries industries, the highest percentage of any in the Klamath region. Just under 30 percent are employed by local government and 47 percent are self-employed, by far the highest of any aggregation, and just under one-fourth of all workers work at home. Poverty, poverty intensity and public assistance are high: 35 percent are in poverty and 24 percent of those in poverty have reported incomes of less than 50 percent of poverty level, and just under 70 percent of children under 15 years old live in homes receiving public assistance. Despite poverty levels, unemployment is less than four percent, and one of the lowest in the region. This aggregation has the highest percentage of households with farm income. It also has one of the highest percentages of households with dividend income. Residents support volunteer fire departments and schools in both Petrolia and Honeydew, an organic orchard, a grange (Petrolia), and a community center (Petrolia). Social cohesiveness and capacity differs between Honeydew and Petrolia. Petrolia residents pull together strongly for community and environmental goals, and are known nationally for local watershed restoration. Honeydew residents, on the other hand, while also highly independent, lack the high level of community cohesiveness present in Petrolia.

Hoopa — 2,143

This aggregation consists mostly of the isolated Hoopa Reservation. Eighty-one percent of the population is Native American, which is the second largest aggregation of Native Americans in the region. Hoopa has a high school, good roads and fire services, but serious social problems persist in the area. Alcohol and substance abuse are prevalent. Unemployment is twice the average of all aggregations in the region, and is the third highest in the subregion. The 34 percent unemployment rate for males is higher than the aggregation average of 27 percent. Twenty-eight percent of all occupied housing is composed of family households with no spouse and with children less than 18 years of age. The poverty rate of 37 percent is one of the highest in the region. Thirty-six percent of the population over 25 years of age has not completed high school, and 73 percent hold a high school degree or less. However, a growing number of professionals along with an increasingly effective tribal government are working to improve social conditions and create opportunities for tribal members, many of whom retain a strong sense of place and community on the reservation. The tribe is investing in geographic information systems, water management and forest planning to improve its land management. The tribe runs a number of successful businesses including logging operations and a casino, and is working to develop additional jobs in value-added forest products. At 45 percent, Hoopa has a fairly low percentage of workers employed in private-for-profit areas. With 20 percent of the workers in non-profit positions, it has the second highest percentage of any aggregation. Thirty-two percent of the workers are employed in the professional and related services sectors. Creating additional opportunities will not only increase opportunities for local residents, but will also increase the likelihood of bringing professionally skilled tribal members to the reservation.

Klamath Area — 1,387

This largely rural aggregation in an area described as one of the most beautiful in the North Coast subregion, has limited infrastructure. Native Americans make up 23 percent of the population. Ten percent of the population are prisoners in a correctional institution. Limited social cohesiveness and sense of community, as well as recurring disputes among residents limit their ability to get things done. The unemployment rate is 12 percent, only slightly higher than average, but almost 60 percent of the population is not in the labor force, compared to the regional average of 41 percent. Poverty is just under 25 percent, and 62 percent of the population has only a high school degree or less. Just over one-fourth of workers are employed in service related occupations. A total of four percent of the population is employed in farming, fishing or forestry; and 28 percent is employed in the retail business sector, compared to 18 percent for the region. A total of 14 percent is employed in the professional or related services industry sector, which is three times the regional average. Employment by industry sector closely mimics the averages of all region aggregations.

Loleta — 1,449

Loleta is recognized as an agricultural community and composed primarily of family farms, yet the 1990 census reports that only two percent of all households have any agricultural income. Seven percent of workers are employed in the non-durable goods manufacturing sector, the third highest of all aggregations. Twelve percent of workers, the fifth highest percentage in the region, are engaged in non-profit work. Loleta residents generally work well together with few apparent divisions. Local residents contributed to fund a school breakfast for children from the homeless camp. The Chamber of Commerce serves as a community council and works to keep residents informed. A planned and approved casino in the aggregation may result in significant local changes. The aggregation includes, however, an area called the South Spit which is home to a transient population and puts a strain on Loleta's services (fire, emergency, school).

McKinleyville — 10,968

McKinleyville is home to the major commercial airport in the North Coast, and is one of the fastest growing communities in the subregion. Rapid growth in the unincorporated area threatens to overwhelm an old infrastructure, particularly sewers, over which a major controversy grew. In general, however, there is good dialogue about issues related to growth and the necessary capacity to address town growing pains. Growth concerns spurred the establishment of a land trust to protect open space. While 15 percent of the residents are in poverty, McKinleyville has a mix of affluent as well as low to moderate income residents. The community services district is effective and acts as the town governing board.

Orick Area — 503

The Orick area is located near Redwood National Park, which has been the focus of a great deal of controversy since its establishment. Many long-time residents with experience in resource-based industries, such as logging, have conflicts with park supporters and workers. Thirty-two percent of workers are employed in the durable goods manufacturing sector. Thirty-one percent of workers are employed in technical, sales and administrative occupations, and another 25 percent are employed in operator, fabricator and laborer occupations. The unemployment rate is 17 percent, although for women it is higher at 22 percent. The education score for this aggregation is in the lower third of the subregion. Seventy percent have a high school degree or less, and four percent hold at least a four-year college degree. The poverty rate is 22 percent. Forty-seven percent of the houses are owner-occupied, which is the second lowest in the subregion. Seventeen percent of occupied housing is composed of family households with no spouse and with children less than 18 years of age, which is the fourth highest level in the region. Reduced capacity stems from the internal conflict in the community that includes conflict among two families considered to be community leaders, dispute over the sewer system, and a disengaged population. Dialogues initiated between the park and the community, as well as work done by the proactive community services district, hold considerable promise.

Orleans — 503

Orleans is an isolated aggregation amidst national forest land that is the ancestral home to the Karuk tribe. The tribe is growing in its influence and effectiveness. A total of 20 percent of the population is Native American. Though the area is viewed as one with low education and high unemployment, the educational score is average and the unemployment level is slightly below average for the subregion. Low capacity of the area is due to limited infrastructure, telephone and water service. Roads are subject to delays and closures in winter due to slides, and residents are dispersed and somewhat factionalized. Some residents remain polarized over timber issues. Thirty-three percent of workers are employed in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors, which is three times the regional average. Another 16 percent are employed in the durable goods manufacturing sector. Half of all workers are government employees, and two-thirds of all government workers are federal employees. There are ongoing efforts to build community capacity and develop local leaders.

Patrick's Point/Trinidad — 1,806

This aggregation has good roads, beach front and parks, but limited water and sewage capabilities which have created some problems. Residents are generally highly educated professionals, some of whom are retired but still active, but also include a smaller group of working class residents. This aggregation has the fourth highest overall education score of any aggregation. Thirty-three percent have a four-year college degree or graduate education, which is the sixth highest percentage in the region, only 30 percent have high school or less education. Thirty-four percent of workers are employed in managerial or professional occupations, and five percent are employed in the entertainment and recreation sector, which is the sixth highest in the region. Residents work together within social groups, but squabbling between some residents and members of the high capacity Yurok Native Americans tribe, which holds some local aboriginal rights, reduces the overall capacity of the aggregation. Ten percent of the population is Native American.

Pepperwood/Redcrest — 419

This rural aggregation has the lowest population in the subregion, and ranks high in a number of census categories. Although it is recognized as an agricultural area, 1990 census data indicates a lack of households with any farm related self employment income (though, due to the small size of the aggregation, some households may have been missed in the census sample) and no households with public assistance income. A total of 73 percent of residents are in the labor force, the second highest in the region, and unemployment is at four percent. The aggregation has the second highest percentage of workers employed in private-for-profit work at 87 percent, and, at four percent, the second lowest percentage of government workers of any aggregation in the Klamath region. Forty-five percent of workers are employed in the durable goods manufacturing sector, the second highest in the region, and just under five percent work in the professional and related services sectors, the second lowest in the region. Pepperwood washed away in a flood in 1964 and has been rebuilt. Residents of the aggregation are known to take care of themselves and generally do not perceive themselves to be in need.

Redway/Garberville/Benbow — 3,019

The Redway/Garberville/Benbow aggregation is the commercial center and service hub of Southern Humboldt County, home to the local radio station, hospital, health center, movie theater, library, and more. The aggregation has a diverse citizenry and a mix of retirees, back-to-the-landers, and long-time residents. Twenty percent of residents are in poverty. Many residents are well-educated, not only through formal educational programs, but also through the practical "must-do" experience associated with rural living. While there are many non-profit groups in the area, this work is not a primary source of income for a large group of workers. Businesses report a shortage of good workers for service businesses. Twenty-eight percent of workers are employed in service occupations, the fourth highest percentage of all aggregations. One-quarter of all workers are self-employed, the eighth highest in the region. Residents of Redway/Garberville/ Benbow have a high level of civic consciousness and activities. Four working focus groups have formed to address local issues. Diversity of ideas, however, has led to some divisiveness, hypercriticism, and factionalism within the community that has slowed or hindered some work. Limited support by Humboldt County also dampens local community efforts.

Rio Dell — 3,326

Rio Dell has suffered from the double blows of a serious earthquake in 1992 and highway bypass that routed away traffic and economically crippled the downtown area. Even before these events took place, however, the socioeconomic status of the community was low. Census data show just under 20 percent of the population in poverty, 16 percent unemployed, and 32 percent of children under 15 in households receiving public assistance. Seventy percent have a high school degree or less education, with another 19 percent having some college education. Low capacity in the community is largely the result of earthquake damaged infrastructure and social problems that include community acrimony and a failure of residents to work well together. Crime is also an issue. Promise is shown by active residents who have very recently initiated joint efforts to address community problems. They secured a Healthy Start grant for the community. New city management is active and appears capable.

Scotia — 927

Scotia is a Pacific Lumber company town, and the well-being of the community is directly tied to the company that owns and maintains property there. Since the company owns most of the housing and infrastructure, less than one percent of homes are owner-occupied. Housing is maintained for company employees, and those who retire or quit the company must leave the area. Scotia has excellent community events and services, including a fire department and schools, and residents work together to maintain them. Problems resulting from the 1992 earthquake were promptly repaired by the company. Residents' skills are primarily oriented to the timber industry, since the majority of the residents are employed by Pacific Lumber. Fifty-three percent of those employed in Scotia are in the durable goods manufacturing sector. Another 17 percent work in professional and related service sectors. Seventy percent of the households have income between $25,000 and $43,000. There is no poverty in the community and only three percent of the population has incomes less than 25 percent above the poverty line. While residents are unified by having the same employer, they have limited individual voice. There is little controversy in the community because the company runs things. Independent business people (not employed by Pacific Lumber) are more active in the community than other residents, and more likely to collaborate with Rio Dell, which shares the Chamber of Commerce with Scotia.

Smith River Area — 2,025

The Smith River Area was a thriving timber, mining and agriculture community 25-30 years ago. Today, most of the high quality old-growth timber has been harvested, and agricultural work is one of the mainstays of the local economy. The Smith River Area has a water district and an effective fire district, but lacks a sewer system and sidewalks, and existing buildings are run down. Job opportunities in the area are limited and those jobs that are available are generally low-paying. Almost 20 percent of the work force is employed in the agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors, while 15 percent work in the public administration sector. Twenty-three percent of all residents are Hispanic, the highest percentage of Hispanic population of any aggregation. Eight percent of the population are Native Americans. Residents work mostly within ethnic groups and not much together. A community council that represents the Ship-A-Shore resort area is not representative of the aggregation as a whole, but language classes, festivals, and the bulb farm draw the community together. Thirty-one percent of the population over 25 years of age has less than a high school degree. Unemployment is 19 percent and the poverty rate is low at just under ten percent. Social problems include substance abuse and some gang activities. The school is challenged to educate students of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Westhaven — 895

Westhaven is a residential community that is home to professionals employed outside the community, residents involved in home-based cottage industries, a few highly educated and well-off retired people, as well as residents in poverty and on public assistance. A total of 37 percent of residents over 25 years of age have four-year college degrees or additional education, the third highest in the subregion. Twenty-six percent of households have self-employment income. Thirty-one percent of Westhaven workers are in technical, sales and administrative occupations. The poverty rate is 27 percent, and 48 percent of the children under 15 years of age live in households receiving public assistance, one of the highest in the subregion. The community has limited services, though it does have a good volunteer fire department, a water district, and attractive beach front parks. Residents are politically and socially active, and there are numerous groups, networks, and organizations that work effectively together. Reduction of overall capacity is primarily due to polarization around logging issues, uneven availability of financial capital, failing septic systems and unsound land use planning.

Willow Creek — 1,582

The economy of this aggregation is focused on tourism and, to a lesser extent, the timber industry. The local lumber mill is no longer operational, and logs are now transported elsewhere for manufacture. There are a number of retirees and second homes in the area. A total of 31 percent of all housing units were vacant when census data were collected. Thirty-eight percent of households have some social security income, and 26 percent have other retirement income. Thirty-six percent of children under 15 live in households receiving public assistance. The area has a commercial area, golf course, and elementary school, but there is no high school or industrial development. The isolated location constrains business opportunities, and recreation and seasonal residents do not come together on behalf of the community.

Yurok — 448

The lightly populated Yurok aggregation is both isolated and rugged. Considerable land in this aggregation is part of the Yurok reservation. The tribe currently owns almost 14,000 acres and continues to acquire land to recover some of the reservation that had been lost by land transfer (via Department of Interior to the Bureau of Land Management), some of it to companies that harvested timber. The area lacks utilities, services, stores, through-roads, and an economic base. Travel is restricted, and one of the primary modes of transportation is the river. The decline of the fisheries and over-harvest of timber resources have left few job opportunities, and the economy of the area has not recovered. Not yet fully recovered from the 1964 flooding, the small river communities of the area again suffered major flood damages in 1997. With 55 percent of the labor force is unemployed, residents of this remote area are poor, have limited opportunities, and are faced with significant social challenges. Yurok has the highest unemployment rate of all aggregations. Sixty-one percent of the population is in poverty, the highest rate in the Klamath region, and half of this group has incomes that are less than half of the poverty line. Just under 50 percent of children under the age of 15 years of age live in households receiving public assistance income. Twenty percent of occupied housing is composed of family households with no spouse and with children less than 18 years of age, the second highest level in the region. In general, residents have limited education, but may be highly skilled in native arts and basketry. Almost 70 percent of the population is Native American. Optimism for this aggregation can be drawn from a dynamic tribal government that is making progress on social and economic issues. A strong sense of community among the Yurok derived from over 500 years of settlement in the area remains, and the tribe is able to draw resources from extended kin and supporters outside of the aggregation. Yurok tribal offices are located in Eureka and they have recently secured grant money for a health clinic and refurbishment of a building that may in the future house tribal leadership. One of the challenges for the tribe will be drawing members back to the area.